Peter M writes:
We’ve all heard City of Joburg’s comments that we all need to pay our rates and taxes accounts, as well as water and lights…if everyone did their bit, the city would be a better place for all, etc etc.
So can someone at City of Joburg please explain to me why 2 [two] or 3[three] residents in our complex have received pre-termination and termination notices for arrears amounts of R1,000 to R2,000 in 60 days; and certain other residents in our complex owe the council between R100,000 and R200,000.
No, that is not a typo – they owe HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF RANDS IN ARREARS rates and taxes and water and lights – but have yet to receive a single communication from City of Joburg in regards their arrears?
Some of them haven’t made a payment to council in YEARS but they still receive the same benefits as the rest us who pay our bills regularly.
This nonsense has to stop – we will NEVER be a World Class City if we can’t get on top of these bad business practices.
City of Joburg needs to apply the rules to all people equally.
If I don’t pay my account – I get cut off.
The same rules should apply to my neighbours.
If they can afford to live in this area and drive late-model cars, they can certainly afford to pay for utilities.
Editor’s note: Letter published unedited.
