Cash-strapped businesses and residents in Nelson Mandela Bay who are drowning in municipal debt have just been thrown a lifeline — a new amnesty deal that could see half their overdue bill wiped out if they settle the balance within a year.
The municipality has launched a programme to write off 50% of debts on all residential and business accounts that are in arrears, offering much-needed breathing room.
The application for the revenue enhancement programme opened on July 1 and will close on September 30.
Debt within the last 24 months will be considered and they must pay 2.5% of their remaining balance upfront.
The rest must be cleared within 12 months, in monthly instalments.
Those unable to meet the payment terms within the…