Alberton Record
CoE approves debt relief scheme to help fight financial difficulties
Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, the mayor of the CoE, announced the approval of the updated Debt Relief and Incentive Scheme.
Xhakaza congratulated Jongizizwe Dlabathi, the recently appointed MMC for Finance, on this crucial accomplishment.
Xhakaza said it is a big step towards providing financial help to residents while preserving the viability of the city’s revenue-collecting activities.
The updated plan demonstrates the administration’s commitment to striking a balance between providing financial assistance and the ongoing need to preserve a sizable income base to continue providing basic services.
These are the key points of the updated plan:
• A 70% debt write-off on the portion of debt over 12 months old, with the remaining 30% to be written off within 36 months. This provision is available to households with a property value not exceeding R3m.
• An increase in the property value threshold from R1.5m to R3m, allowing more households to benefit from the 70% debt write-off.
• A 100% write-off of interest on accounts linked to properties worth more than R3m.
• Additionally, qualifying businesses will receive a 36-month payment plan with a 100% interest write-off.
• A three-month grace period allowing households with illegal connections to apply for debt relief and rehabilitation after regularizing their status.
• To reduce interim billing, account holders who continuously submitted their meter readings for 12 months will receive a rand value credit.
• The updated policy will remain in effect until June 2026, giving qualifying citizens and businesses plenty of time to benefit.
“This policy revision is a testament to our commitment to the residents of Ekurhuleni. We recognize the financial hardships many residents are experiencing, and this scheme is our way of providing meaningful relief without compromising the city’s financial health.
“We encourage all eligible households and businesses to take full advantage of this opportunity and work with us to ensure a financially sustainable future for our city,” said Xhakaza.
For more information about how to apply, residents and businesses can contact their nearest Customer Care Center or go to the CoE’s official website.
