In a bid to propel service delivery in Bokone Bophirima the Department of Local Government and Human Settlements together with Department of Finance Economy Enterprise Development will roll out a rates and payments campaign that will run throughout this month. This came to light during the Municipal Managers forum held yesterday in Mahikeng.
The campaign will be rolled out in nine local municipalities which have highest debts and th main objective of the campaign is to endanger a spirit of participatory responsibility towards the payment of rates and taxes as well as to inform, educate the public and business people about the importance of paying for municipal rates and taxes.
The nine municipalities are: Mahikeng, Tswaing, Ditsobotla, Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane, Kgetleng rivier, Maquassi Hills, Ventersdorp and Matlosana local municipalities.
Head of Department Ephraim Motoko explained that “municipalities are requested to start with consumer data cleansing in order ensure that the billing information is accurate and correct. He said poor data compromises the entire billing and credit management process. ‘Municipalities will be encouraged to enter into creative and affordable negotiations on the settlement of all prior years outstanding debts”, explained Motoko.
In the province, the amount owed to municipalities amounts to R5.7 billion, of which R4.8 billion is outstanding for more than 90 days period. National Treasury announcement that the collective debt to municipalities by ordinary South Africans and businesses continues to balloon to the tune of more than R100 billion, this leaves municipalities crippled and is a worrying factor” said Motoko.
The campaign will also include other stakeholders such as Eskom, Water Boards, Auditor General’s office , Agri-North West to ensure that the campaign is a success.
Enquiries: Ben Bole
Cell: 071 566 1399
E-mail: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
