POLOKWANE -After Review reported on a few billing issues in last week’s edition, more residents came forward complaining that they also have issues with the municipality regarding incorrect billing.
One reader, who asked to stay anonymous because he fears victimisation, says he has been to the municipality on numerous occasions to sort out his billing issues but they remain unresolved.
“At one point, they asked me to submit a picture of my water meter but I haven’t heard from them since. Each time I receive my bill, incorrect charges are added to my account. I don’t know who to consult anymore because I have been referred to various employees. One employee said he knows where the problem lies and promised to resolve the issue.”
Another reader says she also gets passed around at the municipality and this happens every time she visits their offices. “My bill went from R2 000 to over R11 000 in a short space of time. That is more than my monthly income. I visited the municipality on a number of occasions and each time they promised to sort out my bill, but nothing has been done since January.”
Municipal Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, responded to these claims by stating it is impractical to comment on blanket statements as each account should be treated according to its merits. “The municipality has streamlined its query process to ensure that if a junior official is unable to deal with a query, the query is passed to an official of higher ranking who will address the query as quickly as possible. If the assistant manager and the manager cannot resolve the problem, it will be passed to the level of the Deputy CFO where a final decision on the issue will be made.
The municipality is here to provide services to the community and will do whatever it takes to ensure each resident is satisfied with the outcome. The complainant is advised to request a reference number and the name of the official who assisted them so they can get follow-up information from the person who dealt with their query,” he explained.
Another reader said their account is still in arrears despite reporting the matter to the municipality. “How can my electricity bill be R1 582,06 every month. I can’t afford these tariffs and shouldn’t have to because it’s an incorrect bill. I am still waiting for the outcome of the investigation. I requested a report of analysis of my account which shows that electricity readings have not been taken since December 2015. As a result, my bill is higher than it should be and always around the same amount.”
Residents with billing enquiries can call the following numbers for assistance: (015) 290 2134/2137/2678/2680.
The following email address, billingc@polokwane.gov.za can be used to lodge a query by those who are unable to visit the offices.
If a response is not received within seven days, kindly inform our office by sending an email to SuzanneM@polokwane.gov.za (015) 290 2715/2036.
maretha@nmgroup.co.za
