Muni’s e-billing system on track

Polokwane’s new electronic billing system is on track and all rate payers will soon receive their municipal bills per SMS or e-mail.

Just over a month ago, the mayor, Freddy Greaver, announced in a council meeting that the city would switch over to electronic billing, starting March. He said the new system was designed to eradicate problems in the current billing system, including residents who do not receive their bills on time.

Greaver explained that recent municipal bills provided space where residents could update their personal details, including their cellphone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Residents have raised concerns over the electronic billing system on whether they would be able to choose their preferred method of billing, but Matshidisho Mothapo, municipal spokesperson said rate payers would not have a choice.

By the middle of the year, all bills will be sent out electronically.

“In March, the municipality will still make use of printed and electronic bills. Printed bills will still be sent until the new system is fully operational wherafter the printed bills will be phased out,” Mothapo explained.

Greaver said this innovation would save rate payers a lot of money as the printed bills cost the municipality around R6 per bill. He said the new system would cut this in half.

“We often get complaints that printed statements are sometimes not received on time or not received at all. The electronic billing system will eradicate this problem while being environmentally friendly and saving money.

“Together with the electronic billing system, electronic payment options would also be made available for users who want to pay by debit or credit card.

“The new system also provides a way of communication for the Polokwane Municipality to relay messages of water shortages, repairs in process and other issues that may affect their service supply,” said Mothapo.

Polokwane residents have already received SMSes thanking them for their cooperation in the payment of bills. Residents who have not yet updated their personal details are urged to do so as soon as possible to ensure the municipality’s data basis is updated for the use of the new system.