I am the owner of a property in Krugersdorp, which I let.
I recently asked the municipality of Mogale City if I could have a prepaid meter installed. I am prepared to pay for the installation of the meter.
My reason for doing so was that this would save me having to check on my tenant constantly and recover the exact amount owed each month. On several occasions while I was away and relied on him to pay for his electricity he has neglected to do so and the electricity has been cut off. On my return I have found that the Municipality has billed me for huge amounts for arrears and reconnection fees.
I was told that this could not be done, as prepaid meters are installed only in the black townships and RDP houses.
This seems strange, as most municipalities are only too pleased to install them. They get their cash up front and it saves them meter reading and billing expenses. Many municipalities insist on prepaid meters in all new buildings.
It also seems rather insulting to members of the black community, as the implication is that otherwise they do not pay for their electricity.
I found to my surprise that it is not possible to communicate with municipal departments by email. It seems that they have no email address!
My faxes and letters to the Municipality have never been answered.
Are there other ratepayers who have had the same experience?
