Following the City’s recent blitz to bring those illegally connecting to City services to book, a number of major defaulting account holders have voluntarily begun making payments, totaling R14 139 428.24 to date.
So far, 26 of these account holders have come forward to make payments. These are new accounts which were not on our system. Now, these accounts will be making regular monthly payments to the City.
Currently, the City has over 2000 accounts, owning the City under R1 billion.
The Auditor General has reported that for the 2016-17 financial year non- technical electricity losses amounted to R1 092 712 000 (2015-16: R1 353 834 000) and were due to theft, bypass of meters, illegal de-calibration of meters and damaged meters.
Ensuring that city services are paid for, especially by those who have the means to pay, is integral in capacitating the City to deliver quality and consistent services, especially to the poorest and most vulnerable of our residents.
These payments go a long way in alleviating the heavy burden carried by many paying residents due to those who have the means to pay for City services, yet refuse to.
Yesterday, I sat with the new MMC of Finance, Cllr Funzela Ngobeni, to discuss the importance of ensuring that the blitzes, which we began last week continue from strength to strength.
As the City, we remain unwavering in our commitment to promoting the rule of law back in the City, which includes ensuring that payments for municipal services are made.
To those who would connect to City services illegally, stealing from the City and law abiding residents, I can only say that your days are numbered.
We will continue targeting those who connect to services illegally, in partnership with law enforcement agencies such as the NPA and SAPS to ensure offenders face the full might of the law.