I have suffered the same frustration as many others, judging by the letters written to the Benoni City Times about being unable to get through to any of the relevant Ekurhuleni Municipality telephone numbers.
In this case on my Rates Tax Invoice.
An e-mail communication was also ignored.
I would like to know why I (and presumably everyone else) must pay an additional levy of R5.70 (VAT added) each month, for “Refuse: Area Cleansing”.
Not much, I know, but it all adds up — and what does area cleansing mean?
My townhouse unit backs onto the municipal area in Crystal Park, and an outdoor gymnasium has recently been established between the tennis courts.
A very nice idea, but with the increased influx of humanity which it attracts to this area there is also a substantial increase in the amount of “refuse”.
When I walk out of my back gate I am met with a sea of discarded fast food debris, broken glass and plastic bags, which also blow into my garden.
Most of this is cleaned up by the gardener who is employed by my complex.
No receptacles for rubbish have been provided by the municipality for this facility, although they might, at the very least, encourage the general public not to litter.
Is the area I am describing included in the municipality’s Refuse: Area Cleansing programme?
If so, it isn’t happening.
We, the complex, are effectively doing the work of the municipality and paying an additional levy which, together with everyone else, represents quite a substantial amount each month to the municipality.
I should like a response from the municipality’s service delivery centre, as I am unable to contact them by phone or e-mail and live in hope that one day we, the public, can have a partnership that works.
