There are a lot of very angry residents in Emalahleni. On Monday, August 6, there still was no sign of any municipal account. On Tuesday, August 7, the accounts slowly came crawling in.
And still the municipality denies they have a problem with their financial system.
“When the time comes that Eskom wants to flick the switch, the municipality will most probably blame consumers for not paying their accounts,” angry consumers in the queues at the municipal offices echoed.
To sooth moods a little the municipality launched another incentive scheme to municipal consumers who are indebted to the council. The settlement discount is limited to a maximum of R50 000.
There are three options.
The first option includes residential and business consumers, but no governmental department.
If you are 60 days in arrears and you settle account in full, you are entitled to a 10% discount. If you are 90 days in arrears and you settle your account, you will receive 25% discount and if you are 120 days and more in arrears and you pay your account in full, you will get 50% discount.
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Option two caters for residential properties where the total household gross income does not exceed R10 000 per month.
This option includes a three year arrangement plan, only available for low income consumers. No businesses, government, body corporates, schools and church accounts can benefit from this option.
The Credit Control Section will capture all arrangements for the incentive scheme. Customers need to submit proof of income as well as an identification book and sign the applicable documents in order to qualify for the incentive scheme. No interest shall be charged on honoured arrangements. Customers with existing arrangements need to re-arrange in order to qualify for the scheme. Again this is limited to a maximum of R50 000 discount per year.
Option three focuses on partial settlement of accounts which are also limited to a maximum of R50 000 discount per account.
Discount calculations shall be based on debt as on June 30 and will only be 50% discount on debt of 120 days and more.
The discount shall be given on condition that the current, 30 days, 60 days and 90 days debt as on June 30 plus all additional levies after June 30 are paid in full. Only payments more than the required payment will qualify and form part of the debt on 120 days and more that qualifies for the discount.
