The city of Tshwane has launched an awareness campaign to address residents’ frustrations over the rent and water billing system.
Residents complain about erratic utility billing, resulting in high monthly bills. Recently, the municipality visited Ward 39 and 89 in Soshanguve to impart knowledge on how the municipality bills its customers.
Stanley Matjeke, the City of Tshwane’s community liaison, says the outreach is to address the concern of the residents and make the office accessible to all.
“We have realised that most people cannot travel to offices.” To inform the community, we reach out. The outreach is done through the Speaker’s office and the administration.
The billing consists of two factors, firstly when we are unable to access the data, we apply it within the guidelines that we call an estimation. It occurs when you cannot bring in your readings.
If you bring your readings to the office we can give you the current and updated version of your bill”, said Stanley Matjeke.
“We integrate with other departments such as customer care, finance and the water department and educate them about Tshwane Municipality services.
After conducting these meetings residents should understand what happens during the billing cycle, said Matjeke.
“The municipality can’t provide you with any other services if you don’t pay for the services you consume”, said Matjeke.
According to Jeffrey Sebothoma, a municipal official, consumers are being introduced to POP, also known as indigent registration. By using this system, we determine whether they qualify.
Our team manages their bill accounts, which are received by all residents. Some people struggle to understand it, so they come here to have it interpreted for them.”
Water leakage can sometimes cause an increase in bill rates, Sebothoma said.
Residents in Ward 39 are complaining about the high costs of electricity and rent, according to Poppy Vilakazi.
“I have an issue with expensive water bills and electricity bills. No matter how much you pay, the rate keeps going up.
“We would like to see rent and electricity bills reduced by the municipality”
Moreover, she believes the meeting will help her since she has had trouble changing the title deed to her name. After 3 or 6 months, she would own her title deed.
