Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English by Ronald Matlholoa
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ditsobotla notes the proposed debt incentive scheme presented during a Council meeting today. This debt incentive scheme forms part of the financial recovery plan being implemented through the National Cabinet Representative Team under the Section 139 (7) intervention.
This scheme seeks to reduce aged debt accumulated over many years, while securing some revenue. This debt incentive scheme follows the legal provisions and will assist to some extent with improved revenue collection that will strengthen Ditsobotla’s financial situation towards improved service delivery and infrastructure maintenance.
The debt incentive scheme proposes a 60% discount on debt owed by residents, services on vacant stands and agriculture holdings and a 35% discount on outstanding and accrued business debt.
The DA objected to the proposal in Council today that the debt incentive scheme should include a 35% debt discount for Ditsobotla Councillors in arrears with accrued debt. Councillors should set the example by paying their municipal accounts on time and in full.
The DA also objected to the interest write off on outstanding debt owed by provincial and national government departments. Government should also set an example by applying the ‘user must pay’ principle it expects from ordinary residents.
We further support the indigency registration drive to unlock additional funding to support distressed households and the roll-out of prepaid metering systems.
The DA will closely monitor the implementation of this debt incentive scheme to ensure that it is not abused and corrupted. We encourage indebted residents, farmers and businesses to make use of this incentive scheme to settle outstanding debt.
DA Councillors are willing to assist residents in obtaining the relevant application forms.