With frustrations around municipal bills rapidly developing over the past few months, the Newcastillian – Online Daily News recently conversed with the Municipality on this pressing topic. This was all to assist the Newcastle community with insight into what is actually going on with the exorbitant bills. This coupled with the question, what is the local Government facility doing to assist the community?
In the previous article, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit explained the high bills were based on the averaged meter readings for the month of July’s municipal bills. This, in turn, was a result of staff shortages due to increased numbers of Covid-19 cases in the municipality.
It further stated the averaged meter readings were a computer-generated estimate based on twelve-month meter readings. Adding to this, the communications said, the August municipal bills are accurately based on actual meter readings, which reflects winter consumption and catches on the previous month’s lower estimate and hence the big jump in consumption units.
Read more: Newcastle Municipality addresses high municipal bills, but is the response acceptable?
Subsequent to the previous article, the municipality has stated, bills must be paid and they (the Municipality) will assist the community as best as possible. This follows the Newcastle Municipality extending the payment dates for Fernwood, Paradise, Lennoxton and Newcastle Central.
As stated by the Newcastle Municipality, the cut-off payment date will be been extended until Friday, 11 September 2020.
Encouraging consumers, the municipality affirms, those from the aforementioned areas who have difficulty in making the required payments, to visit the municipal offices to make payment arrangements or present queries, should there be any.
The Newcastle Municipality, does, however, remain resolute on the reason for the high municipal bills, sticking to the explanation it provided earlier this month.
With the Newcastle Municipality extending the payment date, what are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views with us in the comment section below.
Authors: Quinton Boucher and Calvin Swemmer
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
One Response
Pensioners who qualify for a rebate on their rates need to reapply ever year. Why do the munisipality not notify the people who can get a rebate. Also why must you apply every year? Your property will be sold/tranfer of deed if you die then they can cancel the rebate.