Here’s why you received two municipal bills this month

Msunduzi has called for calm after residents were left shocked and confused on Monday when they received two municipal bills. Municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize said the two municipal statements were the result of a technical processing error. Mkhize said the municipality is instituting prevention measures to ensure that the technical glitch is a once-off occurrence.

The first statement, which reflects a detailed breakdown of municipal services, including electricity, water, sewer, and refuse, while the second statement reflects the rates billed. It is the latter amount which should be used for payment, as it is a consolidated amount, Mkhize said. Many residents were left confused and concerned when the two statements were issued, with one resident tellingThe Witnessthat they worried their rates, normally R2 000, had gone up by R6 000.

Northern Areas Ratepayers and Residents Association (Narra) secretary Brunetta Reddy has asked all residents to calculate the amount themselves as she is concerned that totals might have also been erred. Reddy said that the municipality’s billing department has been plagued by errors, with total amounts owed often being miscalculated. This is a huge problem as many people, especially the elderly, do not pick up on these errors and either over- or underpay. She called for the municipality’s top leadership to focus on rehabilitating the department and instructed residents to visit their local councillor’s office if they remain confused as to which amount they should pay and why.