BEDWORTHPARK – The taps and lights went off for some residents and businesses accused of owing Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) millions.

The municipality’s by-law department, revenue disconnection team and SAPS joined forces in Bedworth Park on August 26.

This comes after a whopping 147 accounts allegedly in arrears, with a combined outstanding bill of about R43m were cut.

According to municipal spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni, many properties in Bedworth Park have not yet been visited or audited.

He said these inspections could uncover even more unpaid accounts and illegal connections. Sangweni said the affected customers had been warned before the operation.

“The affected clients chose to ignore the warnings and only reacted when disconnections were implemented,” he said.

He said some of the accounts that were disconnected had allegedly gone without making any payment for more than 10 years.

But residents who dispute their bills have been urged to take their complaints directly to the municipality. Sangweni said billing disputes are handled individually because each account is different.

Customers are therefore encouraged to visit ELM Customer Care offices for an assessment of their accounts.

The municipality said it would continue its revenue collection drive as it battles to ensure sustainable service delivery.

Sangweni also urged residents and businesses to pay for the services they receive.