Targeting R8.6bn debt in Tshwane

CAMPAIGN: CITY AIMS TO CREATE CULTURE OF PAYMENT

Previous administration cut off supply of electricity to those owing for services.

The City of Tshwane will kick off a campaign today at the Thuong Service Centre in Mamelodi West, east of Pretoria, to collect about R8.6 billion in outstanding debt from its customers.

The campaign will inform customers of the importance of paying for municipal services.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the revenue collection campaign was necessary because of the large amount owed to the municipality.

“Top on the arrears list is R4.54 billion, which is the highest amount, owed by residential customers.

“The business customers come second, with a gross outstanding amount of R2.28 billion.

“A further liability is attributed to government and inactive customer debts, which stand at R824 million and R661 million, respectively,” Mashigo said,

In November 2014, the previous administration, in a bid to recover R6.5 billion in outstanding debt, disconnected electricity to schools, residential customers, businesses, government departments and embassies. This was relatively successful. “This time around, the campaign seeks to create a culture of paying municipal bills by explaining the importance and benefits to the customers.”

Mashigo said that in addition to that, teams from the council would go door-to-door to tell people about the revenue collection campaign.

Those customers who fall within the bracket of “incapable or unable” to pay are invited to engage with the City about their service debts.