I purchased a new property in Sundowner in June 2013 on auction and so was liable to pay the outstanding rates and taxes of the previous owner. When I got the rates statement from Joburg Council I saw that they had been charging for 2 refuse bins for PIKITUP for the past 3 years although the complex have used a PRIVATE refuse removal company for the past 7 years, due to the total inefficiency of PIKITUP (not collecting the bins on the designated day of the week, so the bins stand outside the complex for days and weeks stinking and attracting rats and pests). I went in to Joburg Council customer centre in Braamfontein to sort this out. I was told that all property owners have to pay for at least 1 refuse bin removal charge regardless of whether they use the PIKITUP service or not - what an infringement on public rights to charge for a service not delivered! So I accepted that but asked if they could at least only charge me for 1 bin and not 2. I was told to log a call with the call desk. That was 3 months ago and I am still paying for 2 bins. Whenever I call they say the query is still being handled and I am not allowed to speak to the people who must fix it. What a farce.
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