Joburg billing probe nearly done

(File image) Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. Photo: Masi Losi

(File image) Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. Photo: Masi Losi

Published Jan 30, 2013

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Johannesburg - Public Protector Thuli Madonsela will release her report on the City of Johannesburg's electricity billing system on March 31, her office said on Wednesday.

Madonsela's intervention followed complaints by Johannesburg residents about exorbitantly high and incorrect bills.

She called on the city to resolve the problem while her office monitored progress. She advised the city to consider international benchmarking with other billing systems in the world, and establishing an ombudsman to address complaints.

Last year, the city announced it would establish its own ombudsman, a move Madonsela welcomed. She said this would provide correct systems through which people's anger could be channelled, in the process reducing people's frustration and streets protests.

The presidency also met with the city officials after its hotline received 8 000 complaints about the city's billing system.

At the time, the city had a total of 66 000 outstanding billing queries.

Later in 2012, Madonsela said she was satisfied with efforts by the city to address its billing problems. - Sapa

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