Polokwane to write off millions in service debts

The municipality announced the scrapping of the debt on Wednesday evening after a protracted meeting with residents.

The meeting was called after residents repeatedly took to the streets, shut down some areas, disrupted schooling and forced shops to close.

Last week residents launched a protest that prompted the council to discuss their debt grievance linked to a “confusing” billing system.

Residents complained that the bills were erratic and somehow confusing. Residents claimed the bills flactuated inexplicably from as high as R80,000 to R10,000 even though the were no payments made.

Under pressure from residence, the council conceded the bills were problematic and agreed to write off household service debts.

“From 28 of January the council took a decision that we are saying property assessment rate and water balance is zero,” Executive mayor Thembi Nkadimeng told residents.

Makama Malebana, a community leader who forms part of Mankweng Concern residents committee, said the council decision was welcome.

Malebana expects Nkadimeng and her officials to officially present the debt write off to residents by Thursday afternoon.

“This is the reflection that clearly shows community fight and pushed its own struggle, we are glad that we have been heard,” Malebana told African News Agency.

“They wanted zero balance, and we are glad that at the end of the fight that it is what we got, we are waiting to see it in writing in black and white.”

Malebana said the residents protested against the system because they did not agree with amount households were charged.

Nkadimeng said the offer is not for commercial industry, a move not welcomed by residents whose livelihoods is boarder on renting accomodation to students.

She said residents will have to pay R94 while the council reviews its system.