According to Bloem Water’s Maruping Rapudungoane, MMM did indeed pay the first instalment that was required in December 2021, as per agreement. The outstanding balance to the entity is expected to be paid during January 2022.

READ: Bloem Water declines Mangaung's payment proposal, reduces water supply

Bloem Water previously reduced the water supply by 70% due to non-payment as MMM’s account was at the time around R270 million. This excluded the settlement account reached during December 2020.

Bloem Water had issued a 30-day notice of restriction in terms of section 4(5) of the Water Services Act on 19 October 2021, with an effective implementation date of 19 November 2021.

READ: Mangaung's claimed payment 'was for previous water debt'

MMM’s response to the water restrictions was to pay R20 million to Bloem Water, in an attempt to stop the restrictions. However, the payment did not have the desired effect. Metro spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, said in a media statement they have submitted a revised plan on how to service their current account.

READ: Bloem Water restores water supply after Mangaung's payment

Bloem Water, together with the Metro, met on 22 November 2021, where the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, was present. An agreement was reached that the Metro will make payment in December and pay off the remaining balance in January. 

Water was fully restored after the meeting and after the Metro had made a payment of R40 million to the entity.

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