The City of Johannesburg apologises to customers who have applied for the delay in giving feedback regarding the status of their debt rehabilitation programme applications.
MMC of Finance Julie Suddaby said they understand the inconvenience this may have caused and confirm that the program is receiving the attention it needs to conclude.
The programme started on May 1 in 2021 and ended on June 20. “Our team of experts in our credit control department have been busy with assessments regarding the overwhelming number of applications received.
“We wish to assure all ratepayers who applied that they will all get a response, in due course, regarding their application. The delay in response results from the large volumes of applications, all individually assessed to determine criteria qualification.
“The city wants to assure applicants that responses will be prepared and sent from our dedicated team of specialists once the application has been assessed. Once assessed, the city will respond to each applicant, informing them of the outcomes of their application and what will happen going forward.
“We urge ratepayers to please be patient and allow this process to take place,” explained Suddaby.
No feedback?
If any of the ratepayers have not received feedback by September 30 and are concerned because of an extended time-lapse, please enquire after September 30 using one of the following query channels:
• Dial the Call Centre on 0860 562874.
• Visiting any of the Customer Service Centres across the city.
Please ensure that you provide your reference and account number as well as the application date in order to obtain accurate feedback.
This amended Debt Rehabilitation Programme was the City’s intervention in line with Mayoral priority “3: A caring city”, to assist ratepayers in financial distress and subsequently struggling to service their municipal accounts in arrears
“We take this opportunity to remind our ratepayers that this programme is now concluded and will not be offered again in the foreseeable future. We call on all customers who have applied for the programme and awaiting an outcome to continue paying their current billed municipal accounts in full and on time to avoid disconnection of services.
“If you have not applied for the programme and are experiencing difficulties in servicing your account, please contact the City directly and speak to us about a possible payment plan – we do not charge for this service.
Contact our call centre on 0860 562 874 or go to your nearest walk-in centre,” she said
