1 Jenny Leong writes: My sister, who lives in Risana, southern Joburg, has had problems with incorrect billing from the City of Joburg. Can you please assist?

Her monthly bill, addressed to a Mr P Soo, is about R2 000. A few months ago the bill showed that R30 000 was owing, although amounts have been paid monthly. A huge bill was also sent last year.

A council consultant in Braamfontein told my sister that the bill was incorrect and she should get a copy of last year’s account.

However, she was not told where to go to get a copy of this account.

My sister has monitored her electricity meters. One of the three meters on her property has been switched off.

The contractors who read the meters told her that she is being incorrectly charged for extra electricity by the council.

This is very frustrating as we are battling to find out who to contact to correct this billing account.

Please advise what can be done with these incorrect charges.

Leong writes again: On the bill this month a credit has been put through for the amount overcharged. This issue has been finalised, but it took four months!

Thank you for your help.

2Roger Broomhall writes: I sold a property in Sandton on August 31, 2010. The lawyers notified the council in writing on September 2 of the transfer. The rates and water accounts were paid months in advance.

At the end of July, the rates account reflected a credit balance of R5 498 and the current balance on the water account is more than R2 000. I have phoned the council call centre 10 or 12 times to try to get the refund paid, with no success.

I visited the offices in Fredman Drive, Sandton, and the staff confirmed that the transfer of ownership had been done. They said they had advised the council to refund me the credit.

I have also established that the new owners are being billed for rates and water, but I am still getting billed for monthly rates.

The current statement shows that I owe the council more than R12 000 and the water account is still in credit in excess of R2 000.

I was told that I would not be refunded the water credit until I gave them proof of the deposit of R40 paid 28 years ago.

This I don’t have, but I am quite willing to write it off even though this deposit shows on their statement.

The city replies: The refund on one account was processed and authorised this week. A second refund will have to be done after the sewer has been adjusted. The service ticket was previously rejected because the sewer needs to be adjusted.

Broomhall writes again: The water account credit has been refunded to my transferring attorneys. Well done. Many thanks for your assistance.