Oudtshoorn, 23 October 2024 – The Municipality acknowledges concerns raised by the business community regarding the recent significant changes in refuse billing for October 2024. After thorough investigation, it was established that these changes were a result of the new refuse count conducted in May 2024. This count was intended to improve the accuracy of refuse billing, but its implementation only took effect in October, causing confusion and a noticeable increase in billing amounts for many businesses.
To address this, the Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn and Senior Management decided that the following steps will be taken:
- Suspension of New Refuse Count Implementation:
- The implementation of the new refuse count will be suspended until November 2024. This means that the refuse billing for October 2024 will revert to the old/existing count.
- Business Notification and Opportunity for Appeal:
- All affected businesses will be informed of the new refuse count through multiple communication channels. Any business that is dissatisfied with the new refuse count can submit a formal complaint through the Refuse Manager or the Superintendent of Refuse by using the Collab customer care system. Complaints must be registered by 15 November 2024.(accountenquiries@oudtmun.gov.za)
- Correction of July–October Billing:
- The billing for refuse services from July to October 2024 will be based on the previous refuse count/existing/old count.
The municipality will correct the effected accounts accordingly.
- No Extra or Retrospective Charges:
- When the new refuse count is officially implemented in November 2024, there will be no retrospective charges applied. The new count will only affect future billing cycles from November 2024 onward.
- New Refuse Count to Begin in November 2024:
- The revised refuse count will officially take effect with the November 2024 billing cycle.
Mayor Allers wants to apologize for any inconvenience caused and encourage businesses to reach out if they have any concerns or questions.