The City of Johannesburg has followed in the footsteps of the Tshwane Municipality in disconnecting services from its debtors who are in arrears.

The luxury Sandton City Mall was disconnected yesterday which the city says owes it R158-million.

Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse says it should come as little to no surprise to account holders if services are cut, given that the local government sent pre-termination notices in one form or another.

“What we will not accept is when municipal account holders who have the means to pay, simply do not do so. On the other hand, we are re-opening the Debt Rehabilitation Programme to actively help residents who are genuinely struggling to pay their municipal bills, and we encourage our residents to apply for the programme,” says Phalatse. 

Phalatse adds that the disconnecting operations will continue throughout the city in the coming weeks.