GOOD Statement by Lawrence Troon ,
GOOD Nelson Mandela Bay Councillor
25 April 2025
The recent resolution by the Nelson Mandela Bay Council to write off R2.6 billion of water debt for residents of Nelson Mandela Bay is a welcome and necessary relief. GOOD celebrates this victory for the people. It acknowledges the hardship faced by communities and offers some justice in the face of systemic failure. The relief is being offered to residents with Property Values between R550,000 and R1 million.
However, as GOOD, we insist on full transparency in how this debt write-off is implemented. The write-off must be itemised, and the process must be auditable, to ensure that only qualifying, deserving residents benefit. We cannot allow this relief to be misused or extended to entities that do not warrant it.
This is a step in the right direction but we will continue to hold the City accountable for delivering fair, transparent, and well-managed water services to all.
The crisis of Water arrears is not merely about unpaid bills, it is about the City’s failure to maintain and manage water infrastructure. Residents are being punished for a system that continues to leak both literally and financially, with repairs delayed and accountability lacking.
Media enquiries:media@forgood.org.za