City of Ekurhuleni Launches Operation to Recover Outstanding Debt

EKURHULENI: The City of Ekurhuleni has embarked on a bold campaign, “Operation Siyacima Manje-Namhlanje” (We are switching off now/today), to recover over R24 billion owed to the municipality.

The City launched the initiative on Friday morning as a decisive effort to address the mounting debt owed to it. During his maiden budget speech, Nkululeko Dunga, the Finance Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), committed to leaving no stone unturned in recovering owed funds.

Officials from various city departments, including energy, water services, by-law enforcement, and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), are actively participating in this endeavour, led by the finance department.

The primary objective of “Operation Siyacima Manje-Namhlanje” is to optimise the collection of rates and taxes, ensuring accountability among beneficiaries of essential services. This focus extends particularly to basic services like electricity and water.

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Finance MMC Nkululeko Dunga stated, “Revenue enhancement is central to our departmental mandates. This initiative focuses on optimising the collection of rates and taxes and ensuring accountability for essential service beneficiaries, especially in basic services like electricity and water.”

The campaign will target major debtors, including corporations, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and government departments. This stance addresses the outstanding debt situation. This approach is especially for those who can afford services but have neglected their obligations.

Dunga emphasised the necessity of such action, stating, “We will switch off electricity for people who are using it, can afford to pay for it, yet choose not to pay. Siyacima Manje.”

The City of Ekurhuleni hopes that this determined operation will lead to the recovery of substantial funds, ultimately contributing to the City’s financial stability and ability to provide essential services to its residents.

Source: Operation launched to retrieve billions owed to City of Ekurhuleni

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Picture: X / EFFGautengProv

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