The on-going interruption of postal services has seen a number of frustrated customers who, due to not receiving their statements on time, have either skipped payment or paid late, thus incurring arrears on their accounts.
This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“We are aware of the strike by post office workers, however, it was in view of circumstances like these, among others, that the municipality introduced numerous options which serve to make accessibility of statements and payments easy,” says Gadebe.
“The non-receipt of a statement does not exempt any person from the liability to pay such an account.
“Residents are encouraged to pay similar amounts to the previous month’s statement should they not have received their current statement.
Residents who are not receiving their statements by post or summary statements by SMS are encouraged to visit their Customer Care Centres to update their contact details.”
“The municipal basket of improved payment methods includes the online system, which enables our customers to view and pay their accounts online.
“Therefore, residents are encouraged to register on www.e-siyakhokha.co.za, to be able to view their statements. Residents can also pay their accounts at the Customer Care Centres, or outlets identified at the back of their statements.
“The online system also enables residents to predate payments, which means they can set the system to pay an account on a set date, with a set amount, if they are on holiday.
“The system also immediately gives you notification of payment, while it keeps records of your accounts and payments from the time you register to use this method.
“You can also query your account while online.
“Important to note is that the due date for payment is fixed and it does not change from month to month, which helps you not to miss your payment; when in doubt, customers may phone the numbers at the back of their previous statement,” Gadebe said.
Alternatively, residents may email their account numbers, including contact details, to accontenquiries@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
