A Case Study of Non-Payment for Municipal Services In the Vhembe District Municipality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate reasons for non–payment by residents for services
rendered by the Vhembe District Municipality. The municipalities are responsible for
delivering such services as water supply, electricity, road maintenance, refuse collection and
sanitation. Multistage sampling techniques were employed. The subjects in the study were
grouped into clusters and a sample was taken from each cluster. In this case the local
municipalities that took part in the study were selected first, followed by wards, villages and
households. Households in the selected villages were selected randomly to participate in
the study. The results showed that although the municipalities were making an effort to
raise revenue and send bills to the residents, some 38% of the residents were not
forthcoming with payments. The reasons found in the survey for the unwillingness to pay
services by residents include ignorance, poverty and simple unwillingness to pay.