Residents of R and K Sections in Maniini outside Thohoyandou, who were told they owed the Thulamela municipality thousands of rands, have made it clear that they do not have the means to pay the amount as most of them are not working.

This transpired during a recent meeting held in the area between the residents and representatives of the municipality, led by the municipality's Chief Whip, Mr Wilson Mutoti. The meeting was requested by the local leadership when residents were confronted with massive bills.

The debts were said to be as a result of interest and increases on sites accumulated over a number of years.

Residents’ leader, Mr Londani Makhuvha, said residents paid deposits of around R3 000 for their sites in 2000 and thought that they had paid off their balances as their accounts did not reflect that they owed. He said some residents said they were turned back when they enquired about the sites when they wanted to pay at the municipality.

The truth came to light when some residents went to make changes of ownership on sites, when they were told they owed the municipality amounts ranging from R38 000 to R70 000. Residents say the mistake could have occurred as a result of miscommunication between residents and the municipality.

"We are making an appeal to the municipality to investigate this issue. Let us pay only the interest accrued over the years and also give us time to settle our bills. Most of us in the community have indicated they are living from hand to mouth and cannot afford to pay the hefty amounts," said Makhuvha.

After deliberating for hours, Thulamela Chief Whip Mr Mutoti told them that, as officials from the municipality, they were there to listen to the challenges experienced by the people, but they had the responsibility to tell them about what the law stated.

He said he wanted to avoid a situation of telling them what they wanted to hear, just to be popular. "We have listened to their problems and concerns and we feel they are worth investigating. We will sit down with our officials and see how best we can accommodate and meet them. Our officers are busy as I speak now; maybe something positive will come out of the investigation," said Mutoti.