Lasca boycotts Tshwane outreach over debt relief issues

THE Lotus Gardens, Atteridgeville, and Saulsville Civic Association (Lasca) has vowed to boycott the City of Tshwane's outreach programmes, refusing to participate until their grievances about the Metro's debt-relief incentive scheme are addressed.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

The civic group is unhappy that the debt relief scheme, adopted by the council in February, has not led to the cancellation of outstanding municipal bills for many indigent households.

The civic groups's stance comes at a critical juncture as the municipality is gearing up to launch a public participation process to gather residents' views on the proposed budget and integrated development plan for the 2025/2026 financial year.

Organisation leader, Tshepo Mahlangu, said the decision to boycott the City's outreach programmes was made after a recent community meeting where residents repeatedly instructed Lasca to defy any city outreach initiatives until their debts are resolved.

The residents are calling for an unconditional debt write-off, rejecting the city's current debt relief programme due to its attached conditions.