Johannesburg utility City Power surprised customers in the luxury estate in an effort to recover R110.7 million in unpaid municipal bills, writes the Fourways Review.
The revenue collection drive was spearheaded by Mayco member for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, and MMC for Finance, Margaret Arnolds.
The officials targeted Dainfern Golf Estate as well as Aspen Hills Nature Estate.
According to the City, collectively, residents of these two estates owe more than R130 million in unpaid municipal services, including water and electricity.
Luxury and unpaid bills
Arnolds expressed frustration with the scale of debt, particularly in these high-income areas, and said non-payment will no longer be tolerated.
“This is not an ambush,” insisted Arnolds, “but if you look at the amounts that these people are owing, we should have done it a long time ago.”
“You cannot have someone staying in such a luxurious estate and then owe over R700 000.”
Seven homes in Dainfern were subsequently disconnected from the grid after accumulating nearly R2 million in unpaid bills.
Meter tampering
Arnolds noted that some residents in these wealthy neighbourhoods had also been found guilty of meter tampering.
“We always think it is only people who live in the townships that are bridging the electricity,” she said.
Challenges at Dainfern
The operation met resistance at Dainfern’s gates, with security initially denying the City officials entry into the estate.
Arnolds stressed that the operation aimed to ensure fairness and accountability.
“From just a handful of disconnections today, we’ve already surpassed a million rand in unpaid debts,” Arnolds added.
“People need to understand that paying for services helps us provide for others across the city.”
City-wide debt collection
City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said its total debt stands at R9.6 billion.
“If we can collect that R100 million, it means we will be able to serve our residents so much better,” Mashava added.
“So, if you look at the lavish houses around here, it really doesn’t make sense when they are unable to afford to pay us for our services.”
Do you think City Power are taking aim at more affluent households?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
