Ray Smuts
TRANSNET TOPS the list of 100 debtors who collectively owe the Cape Town City Council more than R150 million in arrears rates. This, at least, is the council's assertion.
An erstwhile confidential council document made public last week and containing the names of the top 40 debtors, has the Transnet Pension Fund in the number one slot over arrears of R14 million in the Waterfront'.
Occupying the second position is the Western Province Rugby Union at Newlands, said to owe R10,4 million, followed at number three by Transnet Ltd over R5,5 million allegedly owing in respect of arrears in the 'docks'.
The council's executive director for corporate finance, Phillip van Ryneveld, says many of the top debtors are disputing their bills claiming they are inaccurate, and blame the council for poor book-keeping and debt collecting.
He says no action will be taken against debtors until disputes have been settled. If accounts remain outstanding debtors will have their water and electricity disconnected and properties possessed.
All debtors are being charged interest at a rate of prime plus one percent.
Copyright Now Media (Pty) Ltd
No article may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor
To respond to this article send your email to joyo@nowmedia.co.za
