eThekwini water bill debacle – compromise reached
It is estimated that 49 000 ratepayers are affected by the municipality’s water rebate error.
AS SOME 49 000 ratepayers have been slapped with hefty bills after eThekwini Municipality realised it had erroneously supplied them with free water between 2020 and 2023, some of them are inevitably in Amanzimtoti.
Also read: Winklespruit pensioner irked by city water bill error
Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said a few residents from the ward have visited the Sizakala Centre to make payment arrangements. eThekwini said it was because of a technical error that it failed, for three years, to notice that it was giving a water rebate to ratepayers who did not qualify for it. To recoup the money, eThekwini sent adjusted utility bills for thousands of rands to those residents from November last year.
DA eThekwini deputy caucus leader Mzamo Billy said his party met with City manager Musa Mbhele and other eThekwini officials, on January 5, to look into the matter which he said has exposed the rampant dysfunction and maladministration in the City.
“During the extensive engagements, we made some recommendations which were agreed upon. The City manager, as the City’s accounting officer, will investigate and act against officials responsible for failing to ensure correct billing. A longer repayment period of three years will apply. All affected customers will pay a minimum flat rate of R180 per month for this period,” said Billy.
A decision was also taken to not disconnect any of the 49 000 customers who cannot afford to pay back the money during the three years.
“This is yet another reason why the dissolution of the City’s council is the only solution that can save this city from further collapse,” he said.
In a statement, eThekwini apologised for the error and confirmed that the ratepayers will be allowed to pay R180 per month towards the debt over 36 months.
“As a result of the error and as long as customers come forward, they will not be disconnected from services or charged interest retrospectively,” it said.
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