As a result of the municipality’s failure to send out the statements, some business and residential customers say they have not been able to pay their municipal accounts.

“How can we be expected to pay for rates and services if we did not receive statements showing how much we owe the municipality,” asked one ratepayer who did not wish to be identified.

Municipal spokesperson, Nevilla Ndlala, said the municipality was unable to send municipal bills to clients due to some technicalities which have since been sorted out.

“We are busy with discussions about whether we should be sending both MMS’s and printed statements via the post office. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have come as a result of this incident. Our offices are open for residents to enquire about their statements or monthly bills.”

He said statements can also be obtained via email upon request and clients can also request bill amounts telephonically.

“Residents will definitely receive their monthly statements for this current month,” assured Ndlala.

Ndlala reminded residents of their responsibility to pay their accounts, even if they have not received statements.

Meanwhile, motorists are accusing the municipality of charging them for services it does not render.

They say the municipality charges them R36 per year which it says is for sending notices reminding them to renew their car license discs but it is not doing so.

Ndlala said the municipality is carrying out the licensing duties on behalf of the Department of Transport.

“It is the responsibility of transport department to send out notices,” said Ndlala