Worker fixes a street light in the Mangaung Metro areain the Free State says it will intensify its programme to switch off services to defaulting government departments.The municipality is currently owed almost R8 billion in unpaid rates and taxes by government, businesses and residents.
The municipality is under pressure to collect what is due to them from those who are obligated to pay for services rendered; and will be intensifying revenue collection measures including restricting water supply to defaulting customers. Spokesperson Qondile Khedama says various government departments owe the municipality money dating back three years ago.
“At the centre of it is the provincial government that does not pay the municipality and those are the first people we are going to for disconnection. And the other category would be your business people who owe around R2 billion to the municipality. For the municipality to be able to provide quality services, people must pay. That is why we are going for the jugular.
The municipality says it will start with its operation to switch off water supply to government and business this week.Share article