The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejects the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s (NMBM) decision to write off up to 50% of households and businesses’ overdue municipal debt through an amnesty programme.
This sends the wrong message to law-abiding taxpayers and may encourage non-payment.
All residents with overdue accounts can apply for amnesty. A deposit of 2,5% of the outstanding amount must be paid immediately, with only half the remaining balance payable over 12 months. The rest is written off.
Two-thirds of the Metro’s residents are currently in arrears on their accounts. Meanwhile, the debtors’ book of R18 billion is rapidly approaching the Metro’s total annual budget of R21,58 billion.
The Freedom Front Plus also warned that the 12,74% electricity tariff hike disregards residents’ financial situation and will lead to more overdue accounts and electricity theft.
There are thousands of illegal electricity connections in the Metro, but no consistent action is taken against offenders. These individuals are effectively rewarded, while honest citizens who pay their accounts monthly receive no relief.
The Freedom Front Plus proposes:
• Remove illegal electricity connections.
• Penalise electricity theft.
• Enforce debt collection fairly.
• Reward loyal payers with discounts.
Indigent residents should receive targeted relief through the Assistance to the Poor (ATTP) programme, not a populist write-off also benefiting non-payers.
The solution lies in financial discipline and law enforcement, not in debt amnesty.
Financial sustainability requires justice and respect for taxpayers.
