R600 000 previously paid by Curro for bulk services was for ‘an old account’ as talks continue with City
The Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel matter appears to have taken another turn.
The City of Johannesburg has further clarified the Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel issue, saying that the money the school had previously paid for bulk services was for “an old account which has been decommissioned”.
On Tuesday, 19 February, Curro Wilgeheuwel found itself in some hot water when CoJ Mayor, Herman Mashaba, and various City officials paid the school a visit during Operation Buya Mthetho. According to the notice which was served, the school had seven days to rectify its account which was in arrears, as well as reach an amicable solution with the City regarding the lack of an occupation certificate.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/290695/curro-and-coj-working-to-resolve-millions-owed-to-city-print-curro-and-coj-working-towards-amicable-solution-over-millions-owed-to-coj-web/
After several attempts to contact Curro for comment on the matter, the Northsider finally received a holding statement on Monday, 18 February regarding the issue. The statement claimed that “Since the opening of Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel in 2017, more than R2 million has been paid for bulk services, and more than R600 000 for monthly water and electricity”. The statement also stated that to their knowledge, “Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel has the City of Johannesburg’s stamped and approved building plans”.
Lufuno Mashau, Director of Operation Buya Mthetho’s Revenue Enhancement, acknowledges that the City has received this money, but the R600 000 owed is not for its current account with the City.
“The R600 000 for monthly services is based on an old account which was decommissioned after the demolition of properties on the original farm portion. Payment for R600 000 was therefore based on estimated usage as those meters no longer exist. The City sent an elaborate letter to Curro on Friday, 15 February explaining this, which they are yet to respond to,” Mashau said.
He also acknowledged that plans were approved, but there was yet another twist. “Yes, plans were approved. However, what was constructed by Curro does not match the approved plans, hence they have not received an occupation certificate from the City. This also led to the property only being valued at R5 million. The City has moved to correct the valuation even though an occupation certificate has not been issued.”
When asked whether Curro acknowledges that it owes the City fees, whether it has proof of the approved plans, and whether they are in contact with the City, all the information the Northsider received was: “Curro would like to convey that they are currently in discussions with CoJ, and that these discussions are ongoing”.
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