Relief for residents as R50m debts quashed

POOR communities in the Capricorn district municipality in Limpopo have been given a break after water-related debts of more than R50 million were written off

This will, however, only apply to residents of Lepelle-Nkumpi, Blouberg and Molemole municipalities.

The council has approved the move, with a view to easing the burden on poor communities.

The move comes after a call by the Lebowakgomo Civic Organisation for the municipality to cancel water debts and replace water meters in the area.

Lebowakgomo residents have also offered to pay a monthly flat rate of R50 pending the installation of such new meters.

Capricorn municipality mayor Lawrence Mapoulo confirmed yesterday that debts would be written off.

"The decision to write off the water debts was taken in order to adhere to the plight of the people."

Mapoulo said their records showed the three municipalities - Lepelle-Nkumpi, Blouberg and Molemole - were owed R50million, more than R3million and more than R4million, respectively.

"This will form part of our efforts to improve service delivery to our people," he said.