Ekurhuleni’s figures don’t add up and residents are counting the cost
Speech by City of Ekurhuleni Ward 20 Councillor, Jill Humphreys
Date: 10 December 2024
Note to Editors: The following speech was delivered by Democratic Alliance Councillor. Jill Humphreys, in her response to the City of Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor’s, year-end speech to Council
My communication with you today Mr Mayor, is an appeal to be fair.
I could not be more aware of the critical state of our City Finances — and the desperate need to optimize Revenue collection.
We have powerful Acts, By-Laws and Policies that guide us on how this must be done.
These laws presuppose a functional system.
In many instances, however, our processes fail us.
Of particular concern and ongoing distress to our residents and officials alike, is the meter reading process, alongside the erratic availability of our reporting platforms.
Ideally, if relevant readings and information are timeously submitted and processed, billing will be accurate, and no interims would be levied.
However, in too many instances, this does not happen.
In the words the Finance Department, responding to recent questions in this regard:
“…if the readings do not pass the defined criteria for correctness and are deemed inaccurate, they are then placed in a staging area, where they will be analysed and released once confirmed to be accurate…”
This process results in the billing officials having nothing to work with and another interim being levied.
Confused and angry residents, who are sending in readings as requested (when the platforms are working) are still receiving repeated interim's, and concomitant inflated bills.
Seriously inflated.
It is not unusual for citizens to receive shocking bills of R30k.
This is particularly prevalent in Germiston.
Mr Mayor, our residents by and large are NOT resisting payment.
They want to pay and recognize the urgency.
They can pay and do not want debt.
But they need to be treated fairly!
When there is so much uncertainty around our processes, of course there is resistance.
Frequently they are not able to access their statements because the App is down.
They have to guess what to pay; which they do! If their guesstimates are wrong and they underpay, Credit Control steps in and cuts them off.
This is happening at the same time that untold numbers of refunds, owed to our citizens from the City, are not being paid out.
There are many who have been waiting for refunds for more than 2 years. This is not fair!! “Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasars”
Silo management within departments is another contributing factor to this gross unfairness.
The shocking Valuation Process that was inflicted on our City and its residents also compromises Revenue Collection.
Credit Control will simply not recognize that property owners have been waiting for years for the cumbersome Appeal Process to be completed.
In the meantime (I don’t want to use the word interim) their rates reflect ridiculous amounts — not exceptional being 200% inflated.
If the account has not been flagged, (another painful and confusing process for all) Credit Control pushes the ‘disconnect button”.
This is just wrong. Its unfair. Its unethical.
Please prioritise the functionality of our ICT reporting platforms.
Please prioritise repayment of Refunds.
Please prioritise accurate billing before disconnections!
Media Enquires:
Cllr. Jill Humphrey
City of Ekurhuleni Ward 20 Councillor
082 450 0128
