Lynn Williams
A long list of businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay could soon be without water or electricity if they do not settle their arrear municipal accounts of close to R2 billion.
The municipality issued a stern warning to their known defaulters during a press briefing in Gqeberha on Tuesday.
According to the Metro, the outstanding water bill for one company amounts to more than R20 million, while others have not paid a single cent for water and electricity since 2018.
They fingered a shopping mall in Summerstrand and businesses in Perseverance and Greenbushes as some of the culprits.
The Metro's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Electricity, Khanya Ngqisha said businesses have seven days to pay or to make suitable repayment arrangements with the Metro, failing which their services will be suspended.
"If those businesses who profit on our territory continue to disregard us, we will be forced to take such action.
"We are not being unreasonable. We are providing a service and they have a responsibility to pay their rates and taxes."
Ngqisha also said the culture of non-payment will be stopped, regardless of whether a business owe the metro millions or 50 cents.
MMC for Electricity, Zanele Sikawuti echoed the sentiment that non-payment by businesses will no longer be tolerated.
"It can't be the case that we have a more lenient approach when it comes to businesses.
"When residents failed to pay their services are cut and they are slapped with reconnection fees.
"Those businesses who fail to pay for months or years on end lack integrity," she said.
The metro did not disclose the names of the business whose accounts are in arrears.
They did however say that the top 20 defaulters will be taken to task first.
