Multiple incorrect bills infuriate City customer
MIDRAND – Joseph Museva said that he was afraid of the bills he would get in the coming months because of how inconsistent the bills were.
A local community member has voiced his frustrations with Johannesburg Water and the billing department after receiving multiple water bills this year, which were incorrect.
Joseph Museva who has been living at Province Gardens since 2016, told the Midrand Reporter that he has had long-standing issues with regard to an outstanding bill from 2016 to 2017 with the council. He entered into a payment plan to sort it out, and managed to clear it in April this year.
However, in May things started going sideways when he began receiving three bills in one month. “On May 23, I received a bill for -R44 264.15 (credit), after which I approached the City to understand why I ended up with a credit.
“The next bill I received was for R589 149.78 on May 26 and then, before month-end, I received a bill saying I now owe R5 246.54.”
Museva said that in September he received a bill with credit amounting to -R62 972.35 and current charges for R94 571.10.
He said he called the City and visited the revenue centre to report the matter, also letting them know that his bill reflected three meters on it. Museva said that he was afraid of what the coming months would have in store for him because of the confusing bills he has received.
He added that the problem was bigger than he thought because there was someone on their estate who received bills with his exact meter number owing around R200 000.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela said the entity had rectified the error on the account, and revised accounts have been made available on the consumer’s account. She added that the billing, according to the billing system, was corrected from November 2019, with actual readings being furnished on the consumer’s account from 2021/06/04.
“In the event of the consumer not having received the invoices, he is advised to utilise e-services and if he still needs clarification, we will advise him to visit one of the walk-in centres closest to him for them to reconcile the account with him.
“Regarding the neighbouring property where the consumer stated the meter was also changed, the account was also corrected, however, here we suggest the consumer visits the walk-in centre to reconcile the account.”
Mavimbela concluded that if, as a result of these interactions, any further anomalies are found they will gladly assist in reviewing the account, based on the merits of the case, and will duly respond.
Details: Johannesburg Water 011 375 5555.
