Gauteng Health responds to City Power’s billing disputes
Amidst City Power’s disconnection warnings, the Gauteng Department of Health steps in with a clarifying statement.
In response to City Power’s public announcement about outstanding electricity bills and threats of disconnection. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has issued a statement clarifying the situation.
While recognising the importance of settling financial obligations promptly. The GDoH emphasises the need for verification in cases of billing discrepancies.
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WHAT DID THE GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAY?
“However, the GDoH has an obligation like any consumer of municipal services to ensure that when there are discrepancies in the billing owing to one reason to another, these get verified before any payment can be processed,” read the statement.
For the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, six invoices totaling R32 474 056.39 have been paid, with an additional R4.9m finalised for payment and another R5.2m in processing.
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Helen Joseph Hospital’s R13m debt has been fully paid, but allocation delays have led to discrepancies in City Power’s records.
Similarly, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital settled its R4m debt, yet City Power’s records remain outdated. South Rand Hospital faces an unusual invoice of R2 086 080.30, currently pending clarification and processing.
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Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital’s R2.6m debt is current, with an invoice being processed.
Notably, City Power incorrectly attributed a R47m debt to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital instead of Transvaal Memorial Institute, raising questions about responsibility.
The GDoH disputes ongoing interest charges on settled amounts and calls for resolution to maintain collaboration for service delivery.
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GDOH AFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO ENSURE ACCURATE BILLING
The GDoH affirms its commitment to cooperate with local authorities, engaging stakeholders to ensure accurate billing and sustainable service delivery in Gauteng.
The department urges a swift resolution to prevent any unsettled debts and emphasises the importance of continued collaboration for the well-being of the community.