The dispute between an Orchards’ property owner and the City of Johannesburg was resolved last year by the office of the Johannesburg ombudsman but the pensioner is adamant that he still wants a refund on his municipal account.
Peter Digby (72), a resident of Orchards along Oaklands Road has been battling with the City about the discrepancies in his water and electricity account statements as previously reported in the North Eastern Tribune article, Pensioner demands a refund on the bill, [Week ending 25 January].
In the article, the pensioner accuses the City of inaccurately billing him on the water and power supply between 2010 and 2013 claiming their meters were faulty at the time.
In an email sent to the City’s group finance department head of communications, Stan Maphologela on 26 November 2018, the department said the matter was finalised.
Nyaniso Jeku, media and public relations officer in the department, could not say if the pensioner will be refunded. “Please be advised this query has been finalised by the ombudsman’s department and no further adjustment will be warranted to this account.”
When contacted on 8 April, Digby said he had never received any notice or a visit from the City to advise him on his query. “I was at the ombudsman about two years ago and I have never received or heard of the finalisation from the City or even the ombudsman’s office – this is a lie.”
Vukile Madlala, executive manager of communications and media in the office of the ombudsman, confirmed that they’ve dealt with Digby’s matter. “The findings after considering the submissions and evidence provided by both the complainant and the relevant City department was that the water was adjusted correctly.
“Furthermore, all incorrect charges for rates were corrected and reflected on the complainant’s account. The complainant’s matter was resolved and no further intervention was required from the office of the ombudsman.”
“The file was closed on May 18.”
Details: complaints@joburgombudsman.org.za
Related articles:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/229786/mayor-herman-mashaba-launches-new-batch-properties-set-r20-billion-investment/
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/227549/private-property-acquires-property-buyer-show/
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