Polokwane Muni: ‘Your responsibility to pay for electricity’

POLOKWANE – On March 24 residents were up in arms because many of them had not received a fair notice period to pay their outstanding electricity bills.

Many of them explained that they were unemployed and that that is the reason why they failed to pay.

Polokwane Observer spoke to one of the affected residents, who chose to stay anonymous, who said he was not satisfied with the manner how the municipality disconnect their electricity immediately after the were given notice letters.

“I was just getting ready to go to work when they arrived and handed me the notice then proceeded to cut my power supply. I am not happy with how they operate. They must at least give us enough time to make means and pay our debts.”

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala referred Polokwane Observer to the municipal credit control policy.

According to the policy which is available on their website, a 14 days’ notice may be issued before the cut-off or restriction of supply for accounts in arrears.

Although the enforcement mechanism section also states that subject to provisions of Section 95(e) of the system Act, failure to receive or accept accounts does not relieve a customer of the obligation to pay any amount due and payable.

This means that it is the responsibility of residents to always be up to date with their municipal bills.

The by-laws of credit control policy under Accounts Administration Subsection 7.1.2 further states that failure by the council to render an account does not relieve a customer of the obligation to pay any amount that is due and payable in terms of these by-laws.

Residents with outstanding debt for services rendered can make arrangements, according to the procedures described in the policy and upon payment of the full amount owed or the conclusion of reasonable arrangements, services shall be reconnected as soon as possible.

Also read: Polokwane Muni: ‘Pay or get cut off’