City Power disconnected the electricity of Northriding Square and the Church of Scientology in Ferndale, among other businesses and residences during a recent operation in Randburg.
This was part of an aggressive revenue collection drive by the municipality.
The church, however, claimed it was turned off erroneously and its power was restored the next day, though its members were not fussed by the mistake.
“We never miss a payment and the first we heard about this was when a level two disconnection notice was given to us and the power was cut the same day,” said church spokesperson Sandile Hlayisi.
“We dealt with City Power and they acknowledged an error could have occurred, and they restored power. We have not heard from them since so I assume it is all sorted.”
City Power, however, maintained that the church was R877 000 in arrears and had been notified of this many times in letters of warning before being turned off and it was only because a R229 000 deposit had since been made that City Power agreed to restore power, according to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena.
“There was no mistake in our disconnection of the church,” Mangena said.
“Should they default on their promise to pay the rest we won’t hesitate to cut them off.”
This publication also contacted North Riding Square to determine the circumstances of their disconnection, and they said they would reply.
Their comments will be published when they are made.
“There is a deliberate attempt to not pay the City,” said City Power’s general manager of revenue management, Thamsanqa Mathiso, as he stood outside North Riding Square.
He alleged the owners had run an illegal connection between the meters of two properties to dupe the readings.
“Their accounts are up to date but the City might be billing a third or even less [of what it should].”
Having failed to respond to City Power’s warning in December, the shopping centre had been issued with a penalty estimated at R100 000 in addition to its electricity being cut off.
Mangena said they would also look into backdating the centre’s debt for three years.
The team also disconnected several residential units in Windsor including one complex which owed R6.6 million and another owing R1.2 million.
Residential units in Windsor owed a total of R10 million, Mangena said.
A business in Windsor West was also disconnected for owing R2.3 million.
“City Power is beginning to realise gains made from running these operations. From October last year, we have managed to collect about R3.8 billion which can be directly linked to these operations. However, the entity is still owed R10 billion in arrears,” added Mangena.
Ward 101 councillor, Ralf Bittkau said he was unaware of North Riding Square’s billing issue as these matters were not part of his function as ward councillor.
Nevertheless, he was glad City Power was addressing the issue of non-payment.
“I imagine owners are charging their tenants the full amount but only handing over part of the money to the City, and that is not fair,” Bittkau said.
Ward 99 councillor Nicole van Dyk, likewise, said she was not aware of the Church of Scientology’s matter in her ward.
“I do think due diligence must be followed and there must be ample evidence and notice given before turning off,” she said.
Bryanston Sports Club was also turned off due to an alleged overdue bill of R2 million but they were disputing this.
Ward 102 councillor David Potter said each account was unique and apparent errors would have to be followed up.
“I trust that the revenue department has done their due diligence before they proceeded to cut power to the specific properties as well as followed the City credit control policy by ensuring that pre-termination notices were issued. Body corporates must pay their City utility bills and engage with the City as and when required,” he said.
Related Article:
City Power wins court verdict against Sierra Hotel in Ferndale
