eThekwini Ratepayers Challenge Municipality Over Debt Relief After Billing Blunder

The eThekwini Municipality's proposed debt relief program has sparked substantial dissent among affected ratepayers, with the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (EPRM) staunchly opposing the measure. This follows the municipality's decision to retroactively bill residents for a technical error which lasted several years.

Representatives of EPRM have expressed significant apprehension, criticizing suggestions made by certain political figures that residents should accept the debt repayment programs. EPRM argues this advice is deleterious and misleading, leaving ratepayers in a precarious position. EPRM chairman Asad Gaffar articulated concerns that the proposed solution fails to address the root cause and leaves the door open for future errors and ensuing debt.

An estimated 49,000 residents were impacted by the municipal miscalculation, wherein individuals previously qualifying for free monthly water allocations of six kilolitres were later billed. These residents were initially exempt due to property valuations not exceeding R250,000. However, the municipality neglected to alert residents when property valuations rose, causing disqualification from the program.

November saw an unexpected demand when eThekwini required repayment for the free water spanning a three-year duration, from 2020 to 2023. This retroactive billing prompted staunch resistance from residents, many of whom are elderly or impoverished, and have been receiving the free water allocation since as early as 2010.

Gaffar lamented the municipality's lapse in oversight, which went unnoticed for over a decade, contending that it is unconscionable to demand repayment under these circumstances.

To address these reactions, eThekwini Municipality has encouraged residents with disputes to approach the customer care centers. It has been promised that affected customers coming forward will be spared from service disconnections or retrospective interest charges. Additionally, the debt relief program available for assisting those with debts exceeding 90 days will continue until December 31, 2023.

In the face of these challenges, EPRM has offered support to residents, facilitating the filing of dispute forms. Gaffar has revealed plans to submit a second wave of disputes in resistance to the municipality's billing recovery efforts.

Residents and ratepayers of eThekwini are bracing themselves for a prolonged battle as they seek equitable treatment and challenge the municipality's handling of their prolonged billing discrepancies. EPRM stands at the forefront, advocating for those who are unfairly shouldered with financial burdens stemming from municipal oversight.