Pretoria - The City of Johannesburg has hit back at claims that it denied the existence of billing problems, saying it is well aware of the extent of the problem and determined to deal with it.
Residents and businesses in the city have had to put up with inflated bills, bills that did not reflect the true consumption, or have had their services cut off.
Recently, City of Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo said the billing problem was not a crisis - a statement that drew much criticism.
"It is wrong and malicious for some in the media to continue claiming that the City has said there are no problems. All we said was the situation is not turning for the worse and provided evidence indicating why this is so," the City clarified in a statement.
The City added that it had never dismissed the challenges it faces with regards to the billing errors.
"We have also acknowledged that some residents have been negatively impacted upon by actions or lack thereof by the municipality, its management and personnel."
It also stressed that disciplinary measures were being taken against employees and management who were found be in some way responsible for the billing chaos.
In dealing with the current situation, the City had learnt "valuable lessons", which included the need for transparency and for a free flow of information to the public and stakeholders.
It also acknowledged that it needed to improve management controls and improve internal communications.
The City said it was committed to addressing the billing challenges and was daily monitoring the progress being made.
To get a first hand indication of the problem, Masondo made an unannounced visit to the revenue office and call centre on Wednesday.
