I do not receive a statement of account from the City of Joburg. I have prepaid electricity, so I just phone in every month to get my account balance and then pay the balance due.
Last year my water meter was leaking. I reported the matter on various occasions and it still took Joburg Water over four months to attend thereto. My water meter was replaced with one of these new plastic ones.
I have been diligently paying my account every month but suddenly in October I received an SMS stating that my account was R4 000 in arrears. I queried this with the Call Centre and was advised that my water meter readings have been adjusted as all my meter readings since February were only estimates. Very conveniently since the meter had been replaced.
Within a week I received a threatening letter on my gate stating that if my account was not settled in 14 days, my services would be terminated.
As I never receive a statement and the charges were all estimates, I have no idea how to actually determine if there is a real problem or if I am just being screwed over by our unscrupulous council.
I recently reported a matter which could have resulted in losses to the City in excess of R800 000. The next time, however, that I am faced with such a situation, I will act with the same courtesy and integrity the council has shown me – and just walk away.
