“All we ask is that someone assists us to resolve our query – it is not an unreasonable request.
“We have had issues with our municipal accounts since September 2016. It seems our problems are just getting bigger,” said Leon du Plooy from Roodepoort Metal Exchange.
He added that, after reporting the issues by following the correct procedure, it seemed that the problems were sorted out, but after receiving their latest bill, they were back to square one. “At one stage our mini substation was vandalised, and City Power supplied us with a generator for three months. We also established that our meter was faulty. Despite four visits from City Power staff, the meter has not been replaced. Our staff members take the meter readings themselves at the end of each day, which are logged on a spreadsheet. We can already see the discrepancies between our readings and the City’s estimates. Our readings are 25 000 units less,” Du Plooy explained.
They have followed all the right steps, starting by logging the issues, obtaining reference numbers as well as approaching their ward councillor for assistance, but feel that they are being sent from pillar to post. “We have exhausted all avenues, but it feels as if everyone is just passing the buck, and in the meantime, our query is just being stringed along. We are trying to save where we can but still receive this inflated bill. We continue to pay our bill (the amount we do agree with) every month.”
He added that they are not querying their bill, but the actual meter readings, and said, “We believe the municipal entities are not doing what they are supposed to, and we are tired of asking for those things to be done”.
The Record contacted Ward 84 councillor, Gert Niemand for comment. He said he understood Du Plooy’s frustration and that his queries are being attended to. “I have received the complaints, and have escalated it to the billing department, where Heinrich du Plooy is handling it himself. I can confirm that Heinrich and I have been doing everything in our power to assist Mr Du Plooy. The billing department is doing their utmost best to get this issue resolved. This is an ongoing issue, and Heinrich is waiting for one or two documents, before he can escalate the matter, and have it resolved. During this whole process, I, as the ward councillor, as well as Heinrich from the billing department, have been in constant communication with Mr Du Plooy, and we have offered assistance throughout the whole process.”
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