Boskruin resident at his wit’s end over billing issue

A resident is at his wits end after facing numerous billing issues and threats from City Power.

The house on Sylvan Street has been in Willem van Niekerk’s family for over 40 years.

Van Niekerk, who is a pensioner, claims that in the 40 years there has never been an issue.

“I have kept records of our water and lights bills for the last 15 years, and we have never missed a payment… I stopped receiving invoices in October.”

Van Niekerk phoned City Power he was informed by a consultant that they had a server issue on their side that was being repaired. Van Niekerk received the amount owing and paid it.

At the beginning of November last, a pre-termination notice was placed by the City on Van Niekerk’s gate with the wrong address on it. A few weeks later, a second notice was placed on his wall with the correct address but the wrong name on it.

He continued, “I decided to pay the amount indicated on the pre-termination notice regardless of the naming errors, but the City is still claiming that we have not paid and we received a penalty the next month.

“After contacting the City and my ward councillor numerous times since the end of last year, I still have not received any feedback to say the problem has been solved or that they are even looking into it.

“My issue is not actually with the money being charged, it is with the confusion surrounding my bill and the lack of feedback from government departments… I feel as if it is pure arrogance on their part. It is their mistake and why should I pay for it?

“All that I would like is some feedback.”

According to Ward 101 councillor, Dalu Cele, Van Niekerk has since been contacted to ensure that the matter gets resolved.

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