eThekwini debt relief programme hailed as a 'lifeline' for property sector

New initiative aims to facilitate smoother transactions for ratepayers

- THAMI MAGUBANE [e-mail]

STAKEHOLDERS in the property sector have praised the eThekwini Municipality's decision to extend the debt relief programme, saying that it has made it easier to transfer properties in the city.

They described the programme as vital, pointing out that it has enabled properties to be transferred easily, and deals that had been unable to proceed due to municipal debt have been resuscitated.

The Mercury has seen two letters from lawyers with representation in the property sector directed at the mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba. The organisations confirmed the authenticity of the letters.

The municipality implemented the debt relief programme and extended it last month to assist embattled ratepayers by providing payment plans for their municipal debt. The programme has been viewed largely as a success, with the city reportedly generating close to a billion rand in payments as a result.

The Black Lawyers Association (BLA), KwaZulu-Natal branch, described the debt relief programme as a "lifeline for ratepayers and a boost for the property sector".

The association was grateful that its written appeal asking for the programme to be extended had been acknowledged.