Residents and businesses have until January 31 to benefit from Debt Relief Programme
eThekwini Municipality
According to the Banking Association of South Africa Annual Review, loans can serve legitimate purposes.
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IN A MOVE designed to lighten the financial burden on its residents and local businesses, the eThekwini Municipality recently reinstated its special Debt Relief Programme - providing an opportunity for those who have accumulated debt up to January 31, 2025, to benefit from this initiative.
The programme, which launched on November 1, aims to assist customers struggling with mounting liabilities, and is set to continue until January 31, 2026.
Under the terms of the Debt Relief Programme, customers can visit any Sizakala Centre to take advantage of the offer: by paying off 50% of their accrued debt. The municipality will automatically waive the remaining 50%.
"This incentive provides a clear pathway for many who have felt the pinch of financial strain, effectively halving their debt in a single transaction," said the city in a statement.
"If full payment cannot be made, customers have until January 31, 2026, where equal repayments will be calculated, and this arrangement must be honoured. Additionally, if the customer has debt from February 2025 to June 30, 2025, this must also be settled. No interest will be charged but a payment arrangement can be made to settle by June 30, 2026.
"Water loss customers who have claimed and have been partially paid, also qualify. The difference between the amount claimed, average monthly consumption and the amount paid by the insurance will be written off. However, customers must provide valid documents as proof."