The Msukaligwa Local Municipality has stepped up its debt recovery campaign in Nomdeni and Autumn Ridge, targeting households with outstanding municipal accounts and illegal connections. According to the municipality, the top 100 consumers in these areas collectively owe over R11.2 million for services including rates, water, electricity, refuse removal, sanitation, and other municipal charges as at the end of July 2025.
During the latest operation, 64 households were disconnected for non-payment and illegal connections. Two were registered as indigents, while 14 entered into agreements to settle their debts through the municipality’s credit control and debt rehabilitation programme. In addition, 71 summonses are expected to be issued in the coming weeks. The municipality said the rehabilitation initiative, endorsed by council, is aimed at helping residents manage and clear their debts while restoring access to services.
A criminal case has also been opened with law enforcement to address illegal electricity reconnections, which the municipality described as a violation that disrupts revenue collection and undermines service delivery. Authorities will be working with municipal officials to dismantle such connections.
The municipality confirmed that the operation was met with resistance from some community members, who obstructed staff and directed verbal abuse at employees during disconnections. Officials reminded residents of the importance of compliance with municipal policies to ensure reliable and equitable service provision.