In a bold move to reclaim lost revenue and crush the culture of non-payment, uMkhanyakude District Municipality launched a high-impact operation in Mkuze Town that left no outstanding debtor untouched.
The operation targeted Government and Business consumers consuming water without paying, serving final disconnection notices with 100% coverage. Beyond enforcement, it became a full audit of the town's water economy. Teams verified customer information to resolve non-delivery of statements and exposed widespread illegal connections, meter tampering and pipe bypasses driving non-revenue water losses.
Enforcement was firm and fully aligned to the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy, yet balanced with compassion. Customers received a final on-site payment opportunity, flexible upfront payment arrangements with structured repayments, access to the Debt Incentive Scheme, and education on the risks of illegal connections.
The operation uncovered business debt exceeding 90 days, outdated customer data and deliberate infrastructure interference. It has restored billing integrity, cleaned the database and reduced water losses, reinforcing that sustainable water services depend on payment for services rendered.