Tshwane metro still able to prioritise core basic services despite crippling debts

Tshwane metro has assured residents that it was currently able to prioritise the delivery of core basic services in its seven regions, despite more than R1-billion debt threatening to cripple services.

This comes as a result of the metro being owed more than R1,2-billion and the debt said to be currently crippling service delivery.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the staggering debt was as a result of departments failing to carry through on the payment commitments to the city.

Mashigo said the metro was in the process of issuing disconnection notices and was actively cutting electricity at some government departments and embassy buildings that had not serviced their utilities debts, which were escalating.

“In some cases the departments have failed to budget correctly and don’t adequately prepare for the year.”

Mashigo said the transfer of properties to other departments could also have created challenges in the billing for the government departments and embassies.

“Monthly reports are also circulated to the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and national treasury informing of the debt in line with Municipal Finance Management Act.”

He said service delivery was, however, continuing in the Tshwane metro, at the required levels.

“The metro has ensured that it prioritises the core basic services that must be delivered to residents so that they can be delivered sustainably.”

He said credit control was one of the important measures considered by the municipality on non-response to payment demand.

“The city is ensuring that all basic services are running as required by implementing strict credit control and revenue collection process not only to government stakeholders, but to all customers within the residential and business space.”

Government departments and embassies were recently outed by the Tshwane metro for being part of the entities contributing to Tshwane metro’s failure to service residents fully.

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The metro’s burgeoning debtor’s book caused by non-payment has been identified as one of the causes for poor basic service delivery.

Last week the Pretoria deeds office had its Merino building’s electricity supply cut.

No activities could be performed for two days as talks were held.

Mashigo said the electricity supply to the Pretoria deeds office was disconnected due to the account being in arrears.

“The total balance due to the account as of Thursday was R3.6-million, with the last payment received in September 2021.”

Mashigo said the debt by government departments, embassies and entities was creating strain for the metro to fulfil its obligation of delivering essential and basic services to its residents and customers.

He said government departments owed Tshwane about R1,2-billion, while embassies had debts of over R12-million.

“The metro is currently disconnecting meters that are in arrears with the municipality on property rates, water and electricity services.

“The city will also vigorously pursue residential and business customers whose accounts are in arrears.”

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