The billing crisis is the talk of the town at the moment, so this week we ask a general question that residents want to know:
The first billing open day was successful for many residents, but there were many who did not get anything from it at all or were promised follow ups the following week, but this never happened. What is to be done? Why can those working in the billing department not simply do their jobs every day, follow through, or simply even respond to emails?
Nicholas Lorimer, Ward 88 councillor, answered:
The billing crisis has proven to be one of the most stubborn problems inherited by the new administration, partly due to how its causes run deep and have proven resistant to attempts to change them.
The causes range from organisational structure, management problems, issues with staff, a poor service culture, years of neglect by the African National Congress administration and entrenched corrupt interests in the revenue department.
The problems preventing the resolving of the issues can be seen in a recent example where the arrest of eight employees in the revenue department, in connection with corruption charges, triggered threats of a strike by the South African Municipal Workers Union to protect the arrested workers.
An uncooperative system and abuse of labour laws mean that separating good employees in the revenue department from the bad is a slow and tough process but there has been some progress over the past year.
Changing the service culture in the revenue department is a long-term project which is listed as one of the top priorities of the mayor. Unfortunately, it only happens slowly over time.
The recent billing day was for many residents a great success but for those who have not yet had their issues resolved should follow up with the department using the email address MMC.Finance@joburg.org.za
Do you have a question for a ward councillor?
As a local newspaper, the Randburg Sun provides a platform for residents to learn about, understand and follow local government. As an extension of that, there is a weekly column called Councillor’s Corner which is a platform for you, our readers, to voice your concerns or questions for ward councillors to respond to.
Different, willing, ward councillors will respond to a question each week.
Email your burning question to aimeed@caxton.co.za and let’s get the ball rolling.
