Mams residents mixed reaction to scrapping of municipal debt

Mamelodi residents have expressed mixed emotions over the amnesty for tampering with meters and scrapping of municipal debt.

This after Tshwane deputy mayor Eugene Modise addressed residents, organisations and local councillors at Moretele Park on Sunday over these issues.

Modise dispelled rumours that residents would lose their homes over meter tampering.

“We have been providing amnesty but now some are saying people will lose their houses and this is not true,” he told the crowd.

“We initially agreed on amnesty for amounts up to R29 000 but now we are scrapping any amount as long as residents are willing to come forward and allow us to install a [new] meter.”

Modise told the crowd that the metro would also be scrapping the debt of deceased individuals.

“Fortunately, we have received the help of lawyers who are providing a free service to facilitate this and we are very grateful to them.”

He urged those with deceased parents with outstanding debts to come forward.

“We will be scrapping the debt automatically for indigent households. Remember, we review this annually but just because you qualify today it does not mean you will qualify next year, so please come forward as quickly as possible.”

Modise concluded that he was glad that a sizeable component of the community was happy and understanding.

“The municipality will attend to the matter of illegal squatter camps and the services that they use for free because those squatter camp residents are stealing services from our people and that doesn’t sit well with us.”

However, not everyone was elated at the news.

President of Mamelodi Concerned Residents for Service Delivery Oupa Mtshweni said while they appreciate the deputy mayor for honouring the invitation to the meeting, not all issues faced by the community were addressed.

“Rent debt must be scrapped for all people of Mamelodi because the problem stems from the incorrect, estimated billing system which affected most and not only those the metro regards as indigents,” he said.

Mtshweni said local organisations together with residents demand that the metro first deal with illegal connections at the squatter camps before helping the residents of Mamelodi.

“We cannot pay for municipal services while illegal squatter camps around Mamelodi get the services for free.”

He added that when Tshwane is done with the squatter camps, then it can come back and discuss the scrapping debt for all residents of Mamelodi, not just certain groups.

“When these estimations started, it affected everyone in Mamelodi – therefore scrap all municipal bills for all residents and we all start afresh from zero,” said Mtshweni.

He said they have already received complaints from residents who have switched to new meters but reported that they malfunctioned and that they spend over R2 000 on electricity per month.

Meanwhile, pensioner Celia Mabusela said she was happy that they were going to scrap all municipal bills and start afresh.

Resident Maria Ngobeni said, “We want zero-zero on our accounts so that we can start afresh with a flat rate, which the municipality must negotiate with every individual.”

Zoe Mabaso of Ward 67 said she was happy with the outcomes of the meeting and hoped that Tshwane officials would do their job as the deputy mayor has said.

She hoped that the announcement of child-headed households and pensioners would be given preference and get the necessary assistance.

“Residents had been complaining about rude officials and social workers who refuse to do their jobs making it difficult for those who qualify for the Indigent Programme (POP). But the main issue is that residents of Mamelodi want to see their rent debt scrapped and starting afresh,” said Mabaso.

Pensioner Cedric Macheke from Mamelodi West, Section of D6 said the Deputy Mayor must keep his promise and scrap rent debt for all pensioners.

Macheke said the scrapping should be for all residents who are complaining about estimations and high municipal bills.

EFF activist in Sub Region 5 Bongani Ramontja asked: “How can the municipality offer free electricity and water to squatter camp dwellers who are not registered?”

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