Pappas: Power theft measures cannot compromise poor
Umngeni Mayor Chris Pappas says tackling the theft of electricity has to be done in a way that doesn't compromise the poorest households.
Pappas delivered his 2023/24 budget on Tuesday.
He said around R40 million worth of power is stolen annually in the municipality.
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"Second to electricity theft is outstanding debtors. We are owed over R180 million in outstanding property tax, otherwise known as rates.
"These are funds owed to the municipality that should be used for service delivery.
"Some of the methods that we will be implementing in the new financial year include acquiring the services of a specialised debt collector, pursing large sums through legal mechanisms and instructing our existing debt collectors service providers to pursue more dedicated means to collect outstanding funds."
UMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas announces the establishment of a Parks Department. @SteveBhengu pic.twitter.com/dCvr7nAU7r
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) May 23, 2023
UMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas begins by outlining some of the municipality’s achievements ranging from assistance to business and infrastructure improvement. @SteveBhengu pic.twitter.com/FFwYSdCZtN
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) May 23, 2023
