Residents billed incorrectly to the same amount
Residents who owed less than R500 were billed over R10 000.
The herald has learned that some residents of Randfontein are made to pay more than what they owe the municipality for water and electricity consumption in their homes.
This was evident in two statements the herald received from two different residents who were billed R10 862,90 each despite the fact that they owed the municipality as little as R445,99 on their municipal accounts.
The herald met with the residents in question and was shown their statements. One residents owed R445,99 and the other owed R605,01.
Both of them were billed R10, 862.90 and have queried this with the municipality.
“I received the Green Letter on Friday (12 September) stating that I’m in arrears by R10 862,90. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“I then queried this with the municipality and found out that in actual fact I only owe R445,99.
“Despite the fact that this was rectified and corrected, other people probably are victim to paying such exorbitant amounts in fear of having their water and electricity disconnected,” says local resident Colleen Brümmer. She adds that the municipality is doing this in a bid to solicit money from ignorant resident to pay for its Eskom account worth millions.
The herald has contacted Randfontein Local Municipality communications head Phillip Montshiwa who says the residents have followed the correct procedure by contacting the municipality.
“If people feel that they are billed incorrectly, we strongly urge them to contact the municipality to ensure that we address their concerns.
“I’m glad to see that their accounts were rectified as per procedure,” says Montshiwa who adds that anyone who is suspicious of their municipal accounts being incorrect should not hesitate to visit their offices.
