Resident asks metro for an answer
Why are meter readings not being taken?
The GCN received an email from a concerned resident of Dawnview.
The resident, who wishes to remain unnamed, was concerned about the electricity and water meter readings in the suburb (Dawnview).
She wrote: “For the second consecutive month I have received an interim account ; not because I have not been home when the meter reader comes, but because the meter reader just does not come anymore.
The last time a meter reader was here was at the beginning of February, and even then it was 10 days after the readings were supposed to have been done.”
She explained to the GCN that she and other residents were given an e-mail address for the new company responsible for meter readers in the metro, and had been sending her readings there.
“These e-mails have either never been received by the company or completely ignored by the billing department,” she said.
She went on to write a letter to eSiyakhokha complaining about the situation.
“My complaint was forwarded to Laura Storm, who replied to my complaint by telling me if I want my readings registered every month, I must take photos of my meter displaying the meter number, the reading and the date.
“Why?
“What is wrong with taking my word for it?
“I do not have a camera that can display the date, I only have my cellphone camera, and it is very basic,” she explained.
The GCN was able to reach the metro for comment.
“Note that the contract of the 2013 MRC expired and new contractors were appointed.
“We are now in the change-over phase and it is believed that this has led to resident’s meters not being read.
“The phone-in service with the MRC’s will be available soon.
“As soon as the contact details of the new MRC’s are available, the public will be notified accordingly,” said Lebogang Ramashala, from the metro’s department of communications and brand management.
