Statement by Bruce Reid DA Councillor in Ekurhuleni Dumped disconnection notices found 7 June 2013 Release: immediate The Democratic Alliance in Ekurhuleni has today written to the MMC for Finance, Moses Makwakwa, demanding answers about the most recent discovery of discarded final and disconnection notices. A mere two weeks ago, during the budget debate, Makwakwa chose to ignore the DA’s warning that disconnection notices were being thrown away which had severe consequences for both residents and the Metro. The DA’s Bruce Reid had focused his speech on the causes of the R1 billion that the Metro writes off annually. He said that there were several measures that could be instituted which would reduce this astounding loss. One of the most basic ways to ensure that the Metro remained liquid was to enforce fair and strict credit control policy. He said the steps were simple; the Council issue a final notice and if no action is taken by the resident, within a specified time period, then a disconnection notice is delivered on the day the disconnection takes place. Reid said it was vital the Metro followed its own procedures because, in many cases, residents are unaware of owing Council money as they don’t receive original invoices in the first place. Issuing a final notice would give those residents a chance to rectify the situation and in cases where the resident cannot pay the amount owing, it would force them to make a payment arrangement with the Metro. Residents are only ever given seven days from the day the notice was printed to the day payment was expected regardless of whether it was a final notice or a disconnection notice. Given the Metros track record with delivery of even the invoices it was imperative that those specific by-laws were re-examined and residents given a more reasonable time period in which to pay their accounts. He said this was not the first time disconnection notices had been found dumped instead of having been delivered and it was disgraceful that the Metro continued to pay for a service it was not receiving. Delivery of the notice, the disconnection and, following payment, reconnection costs were exorbitant. The DA will also insist that a full investigation be undertaken to ascertain who dumped these notices and demands that they be held to account and that steps be taken to prevent this from happening again. Media enquiries: Bruce Reid 072 820 3538
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:20:44 +0000
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