City of Tshwane explains debt rehabilitation programme for residents, businesses who owe rates & taxes
Residents in the City of Tshwane who settle their outstanding rates and taxes incurred in the last 12 months will qualify for a 70% write-off on any municipal debt more than a year old.
Jacaranda trees in the City of Tshwane. Picture: South African Tourism/Flickr
JOHANNESBURG - Residents in the City of Tshwane who settle their outstanding rates and taxes incurred in the last 12 months will qualify for a 70% write-off on any municipal debt more than a year old.
The City of Tshwane is continuing with its debt rehabilitation programme, which is offered to cash-strapped residents and businesses who are willing to settle their outstanding accounts.
Residents, government departments, and businesses operating in the metro owe the municipality R30 billion in rates and taxes.
Speaking at a media briefing at the city’s Tshwane House headquarters on Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Eugine Modise said that the metro was willing to assist.
"Residential customers that settle 12 months of municipal debt in full will qualify for a 70% debt write-off on any outstanding debt older than 12 months. To qualify, the residential customer must arrange a structured payment plan for the remaining 30% of the principal debt, in line with the city's credit control and debt collection policy."
He said the debt relief programme also applied to businesses.
"Businesses that pay off three years of municipal debt in full, in a single payment, will receive a 100% debt write-off on any outstanding debt older than three years. Businesses that owe the city for less than three years and can manage to pay the principal debt in full, will qualify for a 100% interest write-off. Additionally, miscellaneous charges such as final demand and disconnecting notices will be waived."