It is with big concern that I really want people to know what’s going on.
We have pay-as-you-go water meters and ours started leaking four weeks ago. Overnight the dripping changed to trickling. I notified the owner who contacted the municipality, as they are now in charge of these meters.
I am losing water at an alarming rate in a time when it should be saved as people are experiencing water shortages everywhere. After two weeks, lots of calls and complaints they sent someone to come and have a look. The meter’s valve is broken and I was told they didn’t have any spares so they could not fix anything. They said they would disconnect the meter so at least I won’t be paying for the water that is being wasted.
That would not solve the problem, but after they had left, I noticed the meter was still running. I can honestly say it’s a bucket of water almost every half an hour.
Because it’s now been three weeks, the owner called again and was told that they added free water (which they didn’t as I was there the whole time), and they were still waiting for spares.
Giving free water does not solve the problem, neither does not fixing the valve as the water is being wasted and others are dying without it.
My point is, what is the cost of a valve? Seriously, does the municipality not have any money for maintenance? It’s costing them more to send three people out to come and tell me they don’t have spares than a valve would cost them. Meantime the water that has been paid for is going to waste and no one cares. Are they going to compensate me for their incompetence?
I’m sure I am not the only resident with this kind of problem. Please let’s get the word out there – this is not acceptable!
* Mogale City’s communications department has responded, saying they wish to sort out the matter with Daleen in a personal capacity and will contact her personally.
