Revenue collection outreach

By Joshua Motsomane

THABAZIMBI – It is common knowledge that many municipalities in South Africa are financially in dire straits. In the public discourse, the focus is often on operational issues such as poor revenue collection, unsustainable debt burdens and lack of financial management capacity.

Thabazimbi Municipality embarked in an outreach to collect and to make people aware of their accounts. The main purpose for the exercise was to educate the community about the importance of paying their services. To inspect the meters and ensure that the readings taken are accurate. The exercise was all about revenue enhancement.

During the outreach, water meters were inspected and letter of demands were distributed. Checking of illegal connections were also investigated. More outreaches will be undertaken in all areas where a community is billed. The first excise was undertaken at Northam all extensions, town and Thabazimbi town.

Own revenue consists primarily of revenue from property rates and surpluses generated on electricity and water accounts. It is important for municipalities to balance these revenue sources appropriately.

Team Municipality during Northam Revenue Enhancement outreach at Northam Lapa.