I have been a resident of Boksburg for over 22 years.
During this time, I have generally paid my water and lights account on time every month.
Only occasionally would it be paid a day or two late, but it was always paid.
Of late, the Post Office workers have been on a strike/go slow, yet again, resulting in accounts not being delivered before the date due for payment.
In July, since I did not receive an account, and thus, a reminder to pay, I was four days late making payment.
In the meantime, the Ekurhuleni Council decided to issue me with a final notice, charging R93 for the privilege in delivering it. No doubt, they are within the rules to do this, despite the fact that no accounts were delivered due to the postal situation.
However, why is it then that the council is owed hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of Rand by people who never pay their accounts, not to mention all the illegal connections?
I find it very discriminatory that the council is quick to target people who, for whatever reason, pay a few days late, when they let others get away without paying for months, or even years.
