After Germiston South Primary School recently had their power disconnected (GCN, August 9), the metro responded that this was due to the fact that they were in arrears with their electricity account.
The principal of the school, Lanette Fouché, said, “I am responding to Sam Modiba, spokesman for the metro, with regard to his comment regarding the complaint about Germiston South Primary School having no power due to an incorrect electricity disconnection, for approximately 12 hours.
“I totally disagree with him as to the time these accounts have to be paid.
“In all businesses, retail or industrial, every customer has until the seventh day of the month to settle the account.
“Nowhere is it stated that, with an Ekurhuleni Metro electricity and water account, the amount should be paid earlier.
“In actual fact, their printed statement clearly has the due date of payment printed as the seventh day of the following month.”
Fouché added that she finds it rather disconcerting that she has in her possession four municipal accounts of people who want to enrol their children at the school – these accounts are in arrears ranging from R15 000 to R300 000.
“How is this possible?” she asked.
“How can these people be permitted to pay off arrears at R100 to R1 000 a month, when currently they are still using electricity?
“Has their electricity been cut off?
“Personally, I doubt it – but a state school, with 910 children and 40 staff members had to do without electricity because the metro made a mistake.
“I suggest that an updated, more modern and effective computer system be installed, with trained and qualified operators who will respond in an efficient manner when problems arise.
“Shame on the Ekurhuleni Metro, is all I can say.”
