While we welcome the ruling, we suspect it will take more - a lot more - than an order of court to sort out the billing issues. After all, Johannesburgers have been reassured for years that the city would solve the problems - only to discover that the situation was beyond its ability to manage.
A year ago, the city implemented Project Phakama, at a cost of R580-million, which was intended to help recoup some of the R8.4-billion the city is owed by residents and businesses.
It has not been a success.
Ratepayers have watched in dismay as matters worsened. Many - including pensioners - were left to face an uncaring bureaucracy that dished out usurious abuse.
Not only have thousands been sent preposterous bills - the city receives some 28000 complaints every month - residents are forced to cough up first and sort out the problem later, under threat of having their electricity and water cut off.
Property owners and a property management umbrella went to court for the order after 30000 properties had their water and electricity services cut off in November alone.
Maurice Crespi of Schindlers attorneys, which acted for the ratepayers, said: "What the city does is tantamount to blackmail, as they make customers pay 50% of a disputed amount and sign an acknowledge of debt."
While we acknowledge that there are many deprived residents who do not have easy access to utilities, the cost to the victims of the billing fiasco should not be dismissed. Some have been unable to keep their businesses afloat, and at least one has attempted suicide.
Every day, hundreds of ratepayers make the trip to the council's Braamfontein offices, where they wait in line for hours. The lucky ones are assisted by a helpful and efficient staff member. The unlucky ones are treated with abrasive contempt. And then they go home, hoping that, this time, their queries have been sorted out. Some will wait for years.
It is not good enough.
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