With the aim of reducing customers’ water debt, which currently sits at R900 million, a team from UThukela District Municipality offered their services.
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A tent was pitched at the Forderville Hall on Saturday morning at 10am and UThukela District Municipality Finance Manager Siphamandla Dlamini addressed the crowd.
A sense of confusion filled the air as some residents walked away while others had multiple questions requiring clarity.
UThukela District Municipality hosted the meeting to help UThukela customers either apply for indigent status or an incentive.
“In 2014 we rolled out a total balance write off, which we do only once. That was when we revived the indigent form programme as we discovered customers are struggling to pay their water accounts. Once you benefit from the write off, then you get a monthly rebate,” explained Mr Dlamini.
UThukela customers bombarded Mr Dlamini with numerous questions and that’s when Ward 10 Councillor Edith Lite stepped in.
“We have called many meeting to discuss matters and have questions answered, which always had a poor turnout. Today when help is here, we are delaying the process with a question and answer session, please be patient let us deal with today’s work,” pleaded Councillor Lite.
The names from a box, which contained forms previously sent to process indigent and write off applications, were called first. These forms were returned due to certain documentation not being attached for the success of the application.
“We informed all those whose forms are in the box, we sent messages and no one returns to us to complete the application. People do not open their water accounts.
“Another challenge we have is parents let their children apply for work using their water accounts as proof of residence. When the parent is now applying for indigence, it’s denied due to the child’s earnings on record,” told Councillor Lite.
She added that if one puts their house for sale, the buyer and seller should visit Uthukela District Municipality to make the required changes. The remaining water consumers waited in the lengthy queue for assistance.
SEE MORE: Uthukela District Municipality highlights the importance of water services
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