The City’s COVID-19 Debt Relief programme, which has thus far, assisted many customers with settling their municipal debt is still in place. However, customers are reminded that the programme will come to an end on 31 December 2021. Customers are therefore strongly urged to take advantage of the opportunity.
The City proactively implemented the COVID-19 debt relief programme and has since extended it various times to ensure that more customers are able to benefit.
HOW DOES THE COVID-19 DEBT RELIEF PLAN WORK?
A customer may benefit on the Covid-19 Relief Programme and enter into a payment plan agreement not exceeding 24 months, with the Municipality. Based on affordability, a down-payment of 10% to 25% of the total debt may be required to be paid upfront..
The historical interest accumulated will be written off. No future interest will be raised on this debt until it is paid in full, provided the customer complies with the conditions of the agreement. This option is open for all customers of eThekwini Municipality, business or residential.
INDIGENT CUSTOMERS
In addition, qualifying customers also have the option to apply for indigent support and be entered into the City’s indigent register. This is for households who occupy properties valued at R500 000 and less and may benefit from this programme and receive free monthly services which includes, 6kl of water restricted by a flow limiter; 150 kWh of electricity; sewage and refuse disposal; property rates exemption; total write-off on historical debt and exemption of interest on any future debt. Upon approval of the application, the customer will be entered into the City’s Indigent register for the duration of 2 years. The customer may re-apply, subject to meeting set requirements. Interested customers should approach their nearest Sizakala Centre for more information.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CREDIT CONTROL PROCEDURES
To ensure that the City continues to provide services, credit control measures are being implemented with respect to customers that are in arrears. Customers are encouraged to keep their account up to date to avoid disconnections and if they are not able to pay, they are encouraged to approach their nearest Sizakala Centre to make payment arrangements.
