​Property owners whose municipal accounts are in arrears have until Saturday, 31 July to apply for the City’s improved debt rehabilitation programme, which offers amnesty to those afflicted by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The newly introduced relief measures are designed to ease the financial burden on ratepayers amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Finance MMC, Cllr Jolidee Matongo says the threshold of property value that qualifies for debt relief has increased from R600 000 to R1.5 million.

This follows calls from residents for the City to review the terms and conditions of the initial relief programme, which was first launched in 2019.

For the good of small businesses, places of worship and non-profit organisations (NGOs), Cllr Matongo says the new programme will see qualifying ratepayers receive immediate relief through a 50% debt write-off with a further write-off on the outstanding debt over three years, for those who comply with conditions of the relief programme.

To qualify, the MMC assets that ratepayers should keep their current municipal accounts updated by paying on time and by paying the agreed amounts. Ratepayers also need to allow for regular inspections of metered services and for the installation of smart meters where required.

“The City encourages qualifying residents and entities who have been financially strained, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic to take up the offered relief to update their municipal accounts,” the MMC affirms.

He states that the primary condition of the relief programme is for property owners who received assistance to remain compliant throughout the agreed period.

Where the monthly gross income from all household activities from the residential account holder is more than R22 000 a month, additional write-offs will be offered provided the accountholder settles the bill in full.

If monthly, the gross income from all household activities is between R22 001 and R30 000, a 30% write-off of the debt above 90 days shall be offered and all interest and penalty charges will be reversed.

The account holder may also benefit if their monthly gross income from all household activities is between R30 001 to R40 000. “A 20% write-off of the debt above 90 days will be offered and all interest and penalty charges shall be reversed. If the monthly gross income from all household activities is between R40 001 to R50 000, a 10% write-off of the debt above 90 days will be offered and all interest and penalty charges shall be reversed,” Cllr Matongo explains.

Ratepayers may download the revamped Debt Rehabilitation programme on the City’s website: www.joburg.org.za or visit their nearest municipal revenue centre for more information.