Ethekwini clears R8m rental debt

But residents to pay monies owing since 2010

THE rental burden of hundreds of Isipingo residents, south of Durban, will be lightened by R8-million.

The eThekwini municipality approved plans to write off outstanding rental in the area this week.

In 2010, the rental bills were consolidated with the residents’ water and electricity payments. However, this action resulted in power cuts, which prompted them to protest.

Isipingo councillor Sunil Kalicharan, whose office was stormed by frustrated residents over the dispute last year, said about 540 unit owners were behind on rent dating as far back as 25 to 30 years.

“Many of them live below the breadline and are unable to make payments,” he said.

Patrick Pillay, a member of the eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco), said the resolutions were approved on Thursday.

“Part of the residents’ debt — an amount of R8-million — will be written off. But, this only relates to debt older than three years.”

Pillay added that the municipality will install prepaid electricity meters.

The residents will be expected to make arrangements for payment with the municipality for monies owing since 2010.

One resident, Anil Singh, had accumulated a debt of R200 000 over a decade after losing his job.

The father of two recently started a full-time job and said having the “huge burden lifted” was a relief. “It was always at the back of my mind that my children would be kicked out on the street.”

He was happy to adhere to the payment process.

“If it means keeping our home, I can definitely work towards it.”

Kalicharan said he was pleased that a change was set to be made.

“The people were disillusioned and we said ‘there is no difference between the poor of Isipingo and poor elsewhere’.”