SEDIBENG.– The embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) approved the write-off of the debt owed by consumers to the municipality this week.

The decision to venture into the ‘Debt Rehabilitation Programme’ to enhance the municipality’s financial position was made during a special council meeting in Vanderbijlpark.  The municipality said that the programme to ‘rehabilitate defaulting debtors’ is expected to curb challenges of escalating debt following non-payment of services by a notable number of consumers.

The ELM further said that in line with the municipal credit control and debt impairment policy, residential, business and non-profit account holders who meet the qualifying criteria (for the programme) will be granted a valuable 50% write-off once they enter a payment arrangement. Residents are urged to approach the nearest Customer Care Centre for more information on the programme and make use of it.

ELM’s MMC for Finance and Revenue Hassan Mako has embraced this crucial council decision to improve the financial viability of the municipality that rests in his department.

“Our financial reports state that as of August 31, the municipality is owed a total amount of R8b by consumers. Based on substantial public participation engagements with consumers and councillors, it has come to our attention that residents are calling for relief to pay their current accounts while servicing part of their arears,” Mako said.

He added, “As a caring government, we are aware that not all non-payment of services is deliberate on the part of consumers, we are equally aware that issues of high unemployment and challenging economic conditions influence payment for services. Having said that, the municipality will pursue easing the financial burden on its valued consumers.”