Residents of the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM) have welcomed the approval of a R42.8 million debt write-off for qualifying indigent households, but some have questioned the timing of the decision and whether it could be politically motivated ahead of the local government elections.

The debt relief, announced by CALM Executive Mayor Cllr Mbusi Magubane, on July 20 applies to approved indigent customers registered on the municipality’s Indigent Register.

While the decision has been welcomed, some residents believe it could also be an attempt to address long-standing complaints about municipal billing, particularly concerns over estimated or inaccurate meter readings.

Chairperson of the Greater Carolina Public Interest Group, Stanley Ngozo, thanked the council for responding positively to calls for debt relief but urged the municipality to address other grievances raised by the community.

“Carolina residents wish to extend our sincere thanks to the council for the positive response to the issue of debt write-offs,” Ngozo said.

He called on the municipality to ensure that water meter readers record actual consumption rather than relying on estimates.

“Now that the debts are written off, we would like residents to receive regular municipal statements reflecting the actual amounts owed so that payments can be made consistently and transparently,” he said.

Ngozo also warned that some households could struggle to settle balances exceeding R4,000 within the stipulated 120-day period because of high unemployment in Carolina.

Resident Craig Smith questioned whether the write-off was genuinely intended to assist residents or was aimed at addressing the municipality’s billing problems.

“For many years, the municipality has failed to resolve queries relating to bills. They tell us they will investigate and revert back to us, but often fail to do so,” Smith said.

He claimed his household had received bills despite allegedly not having seen meter readers at his property for months.

Sindile Nkosi accused the municipality of using the debt cancellation as “cheap politics” to influence voters. She also criticised the municipality for announcing the decision mainly on social media.

“They estimate our bills without properly reading our meters, and now they have realised that they cannot attend to our queries, so they have come up with this,” Nkosi said.

She questioned whether residents without access to social media or sufficient data would receive the information.

Other residents echoed concerns that the write-off could be politically motivated, while stressing that the municipality should improve how important information is communicated to communities.

Despite the criticism, residents said they welcomed the financial relief but want CALM to address billing problems and ensure accurate meter readings going forward.

RESPONSE FROM THE CALM

Responding to the concerns, CALM spokesperson Thapelo Phetla said the write-off was implemented in accordance with the municipality’s approved Indigent Policy, which allows registered indigent households to receive a once-off debt write-off at least once per financial year.

The relief is aimed at vulnerable households, including pensioners, people with disabilities, unemployed individuals and child-headed households. Only qualifying households registered on the municipality’s Indigent Register benefited.

Phetla said the write-off applies only to arrears accumulated from the date a household was registered as indigent and does not cover debt incurred before registration or accounts belonging to households that do not meet the criteria.

He rejected suggestions that the write-off was politically motivated or linked to elections, saying it was a standard administrative process implemented in line with municipal policy and applicable financial regulations.

On billing concerns in Carolina, Phetla said the municipality conducts monthly meter readings. However, estimated readings may be used when meters are inaccessible, premises are locked or safety concerns prevent actual readings.

He said CALM has introduced measures to improve billing accuracy, including dedicated meter-reading teams, supervision and verification of readings, meter replacements and staff training.

Residents disputing their bills can lodge formal queries, request meter re-readings and submit their own readings or supporting documents. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the Municipal Manager or relevant oversight structures.

Phetla said the municipality does not currently have a specific breakdown of debt caused by estimated billing but is analysing its billing data to identify possible discrepancies.

CALM also plans to strengthen meter-reading supervision, invest in smart-meter technology where feasible, improve indigent verification and customer communication, and review its Credit Control and Indigent Policies.