PHILIPSBURG--Since the BlackByte ransomware attack on utilities company GEBE, the company has responded to 12,500 customers by mail and approximately 3,000 in-person complaints.
The company’s customer care has also handled more than 1,000 “move-ins” and 635 “move-outs”.
Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs provided the figures to Members of Parliament (MPs) during the continuation of a meeting on GEBE on Friday.
She addressed concerns about the reconciliation of payments in response to a question from an MP. “This is why we have taken this very approach to really bring in professionals to reconcile these matters. NV GEBE is currently in the process of reconciling this ... All payments made by customers have been recorded. Certain complaints and enquiries have GEBE’s attention and they are working diligently with the affected customers to rectify the situation.”
She encouraged persons who see a challenge with their bill to have it rectified with NV GEBE as soon as possible as the company is busy reconciling.
The issue of senior relief was also addressed. Jacobs said senior relief is something that was agreed upon and budgeted for, but GEBE’s liquidity shortfalls are hanging in the balance based on the company’s financial health. “Of course, as government, we would like to see that reinstated as soon as possible,” she said, adding, however, that the first order of business is to stabilise the financial situation at the utilities company. “Up to the last discussion we had in preparing for this meeting, we reiterated that this needs to be a matter of high priority as our most vulnerable are covered in this relief … NV GEBE states that it is looking for the best possible time for reinstating the programme for senior relief and they do understand, NV GEBE that is, the importance of the programme.”
