Eskom load shedding is only one headache for Durban residents

Taking a hard line against non-payers eThekwini Municipality has warned Durban residents and businesses that have outstanding electricity and service debts to pay up or face possible disconnection. eThekwini Municipality said in a statement following electricity cuts due to Eskom load shedding this week that it “would not hesitate to disconnect services if necessary” in cases where residents had outstanding debt and no payment plan.

However, the municipality said it had not yet taken this action as it was aware of the tough economic situation residents were facing following the Covid-19 hard lockdown that had led to many people losing their jobs and taking salary cuts.

The municipality said customers could settle their debt through the city’s debt relief programme or register for indigent support and receive free services. The debt relief programme ends on 30 June 2021 and will not be extended further, the municipality said. Eskom load shedding has also impacted businesses in the city in recent weeks.

eThekwini Municipality head of revenue management Peet du Plessis, said: “This is a very positive stance by the Municipality to assist consumers that are battling with arrears and will assist in consumers managing their affordability. The City has not disconnected services because we understand the plight of consumers but we will implement the Credit Control Policy if we deem it necessary.” 

Residents may benefit on the Covid-19 Relief Programme and enter into a payment plan agreement not exceeding 24 months. 

This is how the programme works:

*Based on affordability, a down-payment of 5% to 10% of the total debt may be required to be paid upfront. 

• The historical unpaid 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,” Du Plessis said. Qualifying customers may apply for indigent support and be entered into the City’s indigent register.  The indigent support system works as follows:
• Customers who occupy properties with a market value of R500 000 or less and have a household income of R3 650 or less may benefit.
• Benefits include receive free monthly services such as 6kl of water restricted by a flow limiter and 150 kWh of electricity.
• Sewage and refuse disposal and property rates will not be charged
• Historical debt will be totally written off and no interest will be charged on any future debt. 
• Applicants must convert to the prepaid metering system and must complete a prescribed application form and attach all required documents.

“We urge customers in debt to take advantage of our debt recovery programmes so that they are able to consistently pay their utility bill. This will eliminate the scenario of their debts escalating each month,” said du Plessis. 

Eskom load shedding entered state 2 again on Thursday following an earlier suspension for Zulu King Zwelithini’s funeral.