Sol Plaatje spokesperson, Thoko Riet, tells the OFM Business Hour that defaulting customers have contributed to the deterioration in services and infrastructure in Kimberley and surrounding areas. 

Government departments owe the municipality at least R800 million whereas businesses owe at least R200 million. Riet says households in the area also owe the municipality, but she does not delve into how by much. 

What does the plan to recoup the money owed to Sol Plaatje entail? 

The municipality intends on switching off electricity supply to defaulting government departments and businesses in an effort to address the culture of non-payment of services. This in turn will set a precedent for defaulting households, as they are encouraged to pay a visit to the municipality to make arrangements on how to settle overdue accounts to avoid discontinuation of services. 

Also Read: Sol Plaatje residents to dig deep after tariff hike

Residents to the municipality have recently complained about the price of electricity in the area, stating it is too expensive for them. Riet in response states that the electricity rates are still the same as last year’s, which is 4.7% - they have not increased them this year.  

OFM