City apologises for water meter fiasco
A Glenwood woman gets an apology from the EThekwini municipality after her reciving shoddy work, no water and a huge mess after a water meter was moved from inside her property.
eTHEKWINI'S Water and Sanitation Department has finally responded to the Berea Mail's enquiry into the inconvenience caused to a Glenwood resident who was left waterless and had her concrete walkway and pavement dug up and left in a mess when a municipal contractor moved her water meter from inside her property without informing her.
Aaron Mfunda, Deputy Head of Water and Sanitation at the municipality offered a sincere apology for incident.
He confirmed that a programme relating to “re-siting of water meters” was in progress. “Sites are identified by the meter reading team when it is found that repeatedly the property is locked and we are unable to bill the customer accurately for actual consumption.
“It is procedural to contact the customer prior to engaging on the exercise in order to explain that the meter will be moved outside the property,” he said.
Mfunda said in cases were they couldn't contact customers by phone, a calling card (with relevant plumber’s contact details) explaining the purpose is dropped off at the property stating the intention to relocate the meter to a position outside the property.
Investigations revealed that the plumber did not follow this procedure. “Findings also confirm that there was a leak, which was repaired resulting in poor workmanship and is not in accordance with the Departments’ service standards.
The department sincerely apologises for this and all the inconvenience this has caused. Internal corrective measures are in progress as this is totally unacceptable.”
He encouraged the public to advise them on issues of concern like this pertaining to their service, through the toll-free number 0801313013 or email: eservices@durban.gov.za .
Hayley Going, said she appreciated the apology but hoped the municipality could assist her with the damage that had been caused to her property. “All I heard back when trying to get answers was I should claim from my insurance, but why should I claim from my insurance when the municipality is responsible for the damages and I will have my premiums go up because of it,” she said.
