Post Office responds; more temporary units to fill the void

Residents now have answers from the Post Office, concerning the debacle surrounding the demolition of Post Boxes in Amajuba Park at the end of last year.

Nobuhle Njapha, Post Office spokesperson for Kwa-Zulu Natal, responded to enquiries saying that the SA Post Office made sure the relocation took place with as little disruption as possible.

Many residents would not agree, as claims have been made that no prior notification had been given to residents.

In an official response from the Post Office, they stated that no mail had been left unattended, and that residents had discarded some unwanted mail items on site.

However, photographs taken by the Advertiser prove otherwise, showing important bank statements and license renewal documents strewn among the rubble.

The Post Office has now come forward with a viable solution. They are still mum however, regarding the reason of the demolition taking place with mail still in the boxes.

They attribute the sudden move to the premises being required by the owner for a different purpose. Residents have furthermore continued to ask why they did not safely remove all mail items before taking up hammer and chisel.

“Today, an additional 200 boxes will be installed in Amajuba Park. This will be completed by Tuesday, January 14, and all mail will be sorted into these boxes to ensure compliance to delivery standards,” explained Ms Njapha.

The Newcastle Advertiser visited the site of the temporary boxes and found that no units were being erected earlier today; the site was deserted and no Post Office employees were to be seen.

According to the statement, the additional boxes would be more temporary units, which would fill the gap left by the demolition until suitable new boxes could be built.

Furthermore, the Mail Controller for the area committed to doing a weekly audit report on the condition of the boxes, correct sorting of the mail and responses from client surveys which the Post Office would conduct in the Newcastle area.

It was also promised that the area manager for Newcastle would make a monthly visit to the temporary units for the next quarter and conduct a physical audit himself.

“The SA Post Office would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the move of the Post Boxes,’ said Ms Njapha. “We will make sure our clients receive the service they deserve,’ she concluded.

Customers are urged to give feedback or suggestions to the Post Office Customer Care centre at 0860 777 502.