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Crime-Plagued Areas in Johannesburg Could Experience Service Reductions
Johannesburg’s city officials have issued a stark warning to communities plagued by criminal activities, stating that persistent attacks on their personnel may result in the cessation of essential services. The city is grappling with significant financial losses due to criminals assaulting officials involved in service cut-offs for non-payment. Kgamanyane Maphologela, a city spokesperson, emphasised that city officials often face threats, violence, theft, and obstruction while attempting to disconnect services from non-compliant households or businesses as reported by Scrolla.
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During September of this year, over 2,605 customers, collectively owing a staggering R464.5 million for water services, reside in areas classified as problematic, where the city’s access is restricted. Additionally, 323 customers with debts exceeding R46.6 million for water services have either intimidated or barred Johannesburg Water meter readers from accessing their properties. In the same month, the city struggled to recover more than R71.3 million owed for electricity services due to intimidation faced by City Power technicians from 143 customers.
According to the city’s group chief financial officer, Tebogo Moraka, Johannesburg is losing billions of rands due to illegal connections and electricity and water services reconnections. Moraka stressed the importance of officials’ safety, asserting that lawlessness or deliberate actions that endanger their lives would not be tolerated. If this situation persists, the city is prepared to explore the possibility of complete electricity disconnections in problematic areas. Moraka also noted that the city would not hesitate to pursue criminal charges, arrests, hefty fines, and immediate disconnection of services for those who illegally reconnect themselves.
Moraka emphasised that the city remains committed to collecting all outstanding debts and will intensify disconnection efforts, collaborating with various city departments to strengthen operations.
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Photo: Facebook / @City of Joburg
