CoJ warns of festive season service cuts for unpaid accounts

The City of Johannesburg on Monday warned property owners that it will continue cutting off water and electricity due to unpaid municipal accounts throughout the festive season, and has urged customers to settle their bills before going on holiday.

The city’s group finance department said many residents neglect their municipal accounts in December, risking disconnection while they are away.

“During the festive season, especially in December, we see many customers leaving the City for extended holidays. Over the years, we have observed that a large number forget to settle their municipal accounts before travelling,” said Kgamanyane Maphologela, Director: Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, Group Finance.

The municipality said it has intensified so-called Level 3 disconnections, which target habitual defaulters.

Under Level 3, officials may physically remove electricity cables, conductors and water or electricity meters. Customers must then reapply for services through normal processes and pay the associated costs before reconnection.

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