Pietermaritzburg residents urged to take advantage of Msunduzi Municipality's debt relief programme
"Pietermaritzburg residents are encouraged to act quickly and benefit from the Msunduzi Municipality's debt relief programme before the closing date of September 30.
Image: File
Pietermaritzburg residents have been urged to take advantage of the Msunduzi Municipality's debt relief programme before it closes on September 30.
In a statement, mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said that the municipality recognised the economic pressures that many households and businesses are facing and therefore introduced the Debt Relief Programme in June this year.
“The programme closes on 30 September 2025 and I strongly encourage all eligible customers to take advantage of it while there is still time.”
He said the programme offers:
- Up to 50% off for municipal services debt
- Up to 100% off for property rates debt
Thebolla added that the City's Team Qoqimali was also taking action on defaulting customers.
“Our Team Qoqimali is on the ground, disconnecting services for those who continue to default on their municipal accounts. This not to punish but to ensure fairness and sustainability, because when some do not pay, everyone is affected.”
The Mercury has previously reported that over the past few years, the municipality has embarked on a rigorous campaign, dubbed Operation Qoqimali, to get ratepayers to pay outstanding debt by disconnecting services to businesses, schools, and other entities and only reconnecting once payment is made.
Earlier this week, the municipality said on its Facebook page, that the revenue team was tackling defaulting customers in the Pietermaritzburg CBD.
It said a building in George Street and one in West Street were found with illegal water and electricity connections that were unmetered.
For assistance to apply for the Debt Relief Programme, customers must contact the Revenue Management Unit or visit www.msunduzi.gov.za