The Msunduzi Local Municipality says it is urgently addressing a billing dispute involving Northdale Hospital after the facility was issued with a notice warning of possible electricity and water disconnections.
According to the municipality, the hospital’s account reflected outstanding arrears on its billing system, prompting action under its credit control and debt collection campaign known as Operation Qoqimali.
Municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize said the matter is currently being reviewed after hospital management presented proof of payment during engagements with the municipality.
“This then necessitated a detailed reconciliation and verification process to ensure that all transactions and allocations correspond correctly across the relevant systems,” Mkhize said.
“The municipality has initiated an internal verification and forensic review process to establish the status and allocation of payments presented.”
Mkhize stressed that no findings have been made at this stage and described the matter as an administrative reconciliation process rather than a confirmed case of non-payment.
“No conclusion or finding has been made. The municipality appreciates the critical role played by Northdale Hospital and remains committed to resolving the matter responsibly while ensuring that essential healthcare services are not unnecessarily disrupted,” she added.
The dispute comes less than a year after the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health intervened to stabilise operations at the hospital following a widespread power outage in the area.
At the time, one of the hospital’s three generators reportedly malfunctioned, leaving sections of the facility without electricity.
Images shared on social media showed kitchen staff preparing meals for patients over an open fire outside the hospital, sparking public concern.
Nathi Olifant said an investigation had been launched into the incident but dismissed claims linking the outage to patient deaths.
“Mortuary operations maintained normal functionality throughout the incident. Northdale Hospital remains fully operational,” Olifant said.
“The department reaffirms its commitment to quality healthcare and urges restraint while we address these matters.”