THE recent announcement by eThekwini Municipality regarding the collection of about R1b on its debt relief programme has been welcomed with mixed emotions.

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Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman has criticised the announcement by the municipality where it hailed its 50% special debt write-off programme.

The programme aimed to alleviate the financial burden on residents who have been struggling to pay their municipal accounts.

“The other residents may be able to come up with the 5%, 10%, 15% or 25% deposits for the acknowledgement of debt.

“The difficulty in keeping up with repayments lies in the monthly instalments spread over 24 or 36 months, combined with the current utility bill. This becomes especially challenging when electricity or water bills are based on estimates rather than actual meter readings. Without accurate monthly readings, consumers are billed for usage they may not have incurred, making these repayment agreements ineffective, particularly for those already facing high bills,” said Snyman.

In a recent council meeting, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Cyril Xaba hailed the programme that was implemented from May to June this year. The programme was also implemented as a strategic intervention to enhance the municipality’s revenue.

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A report tabled at the finance portfolio committee on August 20, showed that the municipality collected about R1b through the programme.

“What is important to highlight is that more than 18 000 struggling customers received meaningful financial relief, which demonstrates that we are a caring government that is eager to help customers who are contending with the high cost of living,” said Xaba.

The programme sought to assist customers with the debt balance as at the end of January 2025.

“Once a customer pays off 50% of the debt, the council would write off the corresponding debt. In addition, the customer would settle the entire debt for the months of February to June 2025. Customers who were not in a position to settle the debt for the months after 31 January were allowed to enter into a payment plan not exceeding six months without making any down payment,” said eThekwini in a statement.

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