During April 2017, our pre-paid water meter became defective and my tenant couldn’t load units onto the system.
On average he paid between R200 and R300 per month. After the fault was reported, Mogale City’s contractor overrode the meter and promised that a new meter would be installed within a month. This never happened.
I had the shock of my life when I received an account to the amount of R15 354,24 in October 2018. All previous accounts didn’t exceed R864,88 per month. Since 17 October 2018 I have visited the municipality and water departments on several occasions trying to get the correct figures for the account to be settled. Although the meter was still running and the meter readings were taken, the municipality charged me according to the by-law system which was more than 30kl monthly. Admin fees and interest were added. I was not prepared to pay for their incompetence and approached ward councillors. One even informed me that I needed to cough up and pay, as there was no alternative.
The services to this property were cut on several occasions, one day even after I had visited the municipality. After a long battle I approached Tjaart Steenkamp (ward councillor) for assistance to get this account up to date so that it could be settled. According to this month’s account it seems to be correct and thousands were deducted for fees charged.
I don’t mind paying, but to overcharge consumers for their negligence is ridiculous. Thanks again, Tjaart, for your advice and assistance. Hopefully I won’t be phoned again by a tenant who sits without electricity.
* Mogale City Local Municipality’s finance department reacted swiftly to Mr Ferero’s letter of complaint after it was forwarded to their communications department by the News. As per their correspondence with Mr Ferero, the situation was resolved and Mr Ferero thanked them for their efforts — Ed.
