The Tshwane metro council has approved a proposal to write off a R684 million water bill incurred by Hammanskraal residents. The decision, supported by DA, ANC, and EFF councillors, follows a report from the group financial services department recommending debt relief due to prolonged reliance on estimated billing.
The municipality cited challenges in accurately metering water usage in Hammanskraal, attributing the issue to intimidation from residents frustrated by years of poor water quality. Most of the debt—R624 million—was accumulated by indigent households. As part of the solution, the city plans to install flow restrictors to help indigent residents stay within their free water allocation.
The write-off applies to six areas serviced by the troubled Temba Water Treatment Plant: Mashemong, Majaneng, Suurman, Temba, Hammanskraal West, and Hammanskraal.
Former Tshwane mayor and DA councillor Cilliers Brink supported the decision, emphasizing that residents should not bear the burden of paying for water deemed unfit for human consumption. He urged the metro to ensure clean water supply before the December school holidays.
EFF councillor Trevor Moloisane added that the debt relief would improve residents’ quality of life and encourage them to open legitimate accounts with the city, ultimately enhancing revenue collection and financial stability.