The municipal offices in Schoemansville in Hartbeespoort have come to a standstill as a result of network and contractor issues.

Since August, this office has not been able to assist residents with account enquiries, readings or any other municipal transactions involving the municipality’s network.

Residents have been told that they could not be helped because of no network. At one stage a notice reading “Office closed due to no printer and no network” was displayed at the offices.

According to information, the service provider has not been paid and Madibeng’s communication services were suspended. In October the municipality denied that the Internet service was disconnected as a result of non-payment. “These allegations are unfounded,” said municipal spokesperson, Tumelo Tshabalala. He said the municipality had upgraded the system and is experiencing technical glitches.

However, Kormorant heard from sources that money is indeed owed to the service provider and that they demand a letter of commitment before they restore the municipality’s connection. Another enquiry to the municipality about the issue was not answered by the time of going to press.