Incorrect billing allegations were revealed to be what most ratepayers complain to the City of Johannesburg’s ombudsman office about.
This may come as no surprise to many residents. Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba said he would personally be taking responsibility for the so-called crisis.
About two years after the Office of the Ombudsman opened its doors, it was to investigate complaints of alleged maladministration, service failures and unfair treatment by the City – the biggest headache many residents have with the City.
Vukile Madlala, the office’s executive manager of communications, said from July last year to end of May this year, the ombudsman has resolved 596 complaints. There were 782 active cases as at end of May. Currently, the majority of complaints relate to allegations of incorrect billing, she said.
The Joburg ombudsman is your last port of call.
Mashaba arranged a Billing Open Day in August as a possible solution to especially long-outstanding billing queries, making sure information is correct across all departments, improving call centre resolutions and even billing regionalisation have all been put forward as solutions.
A second open day was scheduled for September, but a work stoppage by revenue services employees, seemingly in solidarity with their colleagues who were arrested on grounds of fraud, theft and corruption, halted this.
Regional open days were planned to be held across the city on Saturdays, but a date for the next day has not yet been announced.
Residents can submit their written complaints to the ombudsman by visiting the Isle of Houghton, Wilds View II at 11 Boundary Road, Houghton Estate, or call 010 288 2800, or email info@joburgombudsman.org.za or contact the office through their Twitter handle @jhbombudsman or on Facebook at Ombudsman COJ.
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