WATCH: Punishment for popular suburb drowning in debt

CITY Power was up in arms on Thursday, 8 February as it cracked the whip on businesses and residential complexes in Midrand, Joburg with a debt book of about R360 million.

On Thursday morning, the City of Joburg's power utility commenced with its revenue collection drive by cutting off defaulting customers with outstanding debts.

This revenue collection drive aims to create awareness about the financial implications of non-payment and encourage customers to fulfill their obligations to support ongoing operations.

Speaking on the campaign, City Power Midrand general manager Katlego Mogale Makoni confirmed the utility had began its operations by chasing R58 million in outstanding debt in the area.

“Our debt book for Midrand is at R360 million but for the purpose of today [Thursday], we are chasing R58 million. We started with the first residential complex which owes us R5 million. We have moved to another residential complex which owes us R5 million,” she said.

Some of the areas targeted was a business in Halfway House Estate owing over R1 million, another complex at Noordwyk Extension 95 with an outstanding amount of over R25 million and a shopping centre at 10 Stoneridge Drive Greenstone Park currently sitting on a outstanding amount close to R10 million.

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Taking into account this operation, Makoni urged customers to take advantage of payment arrangements and settlement options to avoid disconnection and associated fees further emphasised that their co-operation is crucial for the success of our revenue collection efforts.

City Power said it targeted a wide range of customers, including businesses and residential accounts, to ensure fair and equitable payment practices.

According to the utility, the non-payment of electricity bills affects its ability to maintain infrastructure and provide quality services to all customers.

With this ongoing campaign, the utility hopes to collect its much-needed revenue.

“City Power's revenue collection drive is essential for the sustainability of our business. Without this revenue, we cannot invest in vital infrastructure for uninterrupted power supply,” the utility said.