City of Johannesburg approves debt relief programme for residents

The South African city of Johannesburg has approved a debt relief programme for residents, who are struggling to pay off accumulated debt to the city.

The city council says, qualifying residents can get up to 50% of their debt written off if they come forward.

They have been asked to visit their nearest municipal offices.

Finance officer in the city of Johannesburg, Funzela Ngobeni says, the move is aimed at ensuring that defaulting customers are brought back into good standing on their municipal accounts.

Ngobeni says, the programme aims to give qualifying customers 50% debt written off.