A DURBAN North property owner has sounded the alarm over what he describes as “a pattern of billing errors and bureaucratic negligence” by the eThekwini Municipality, after being billed more than R20 000 for water which was not used.

Also read: Durban North residents urged to join forces on billing discrepancies

Daya Sukhdeo, the owner of a residential complex in Durban North, said he has been locked in a three-month battle with the municipality after receiving monthly water bills of up to R8000, despite his average usage previously amounting to just R700.

Sukhdeo says he takes water meter readings twice a week, cross-checking them with the complex’s own logs. His bills are always paid on time, and he has submitted multiple emails and photo evidence with date stamps proving the readings. Yet no corrections have been made.

Since May 2025, he has repeatedly reported the issue, but despite escalating his complaint through the proper channels, the inflated figures remain on record.

“What is most frustrating is not just the error itself, but the complete failure of municipal staff to take corrective action. It is clear that the internal systems either do not work or are not being used properly by the responsible staff,” said Sukhdeo.

Even in a month when nobody was present at the property due to an overseas trip, and therefore no water was used, he was still billed.

He said in 2020, the municipality shifted to an outsourced water monitoring and billing system, accompanied by the introduction of an online platform, and despite this he claims billing is still being done in arrears.

“Someone is being paid to ensure these systems work. There is no accountability when they fail. And when ratepayers are overbilled, the municipality simply applies a credit, they don’t reimburse. That’s not justice,” he said.
Sukhdeo has now turned to the media and is considering legal action.

“This is not merely a technical failure but a breakdown in trust, accountability, and service delivery. There must come a moment when those entrusted with public service awaken to the truth: that the people they overlook are the very ones who sustain them. The taxpayer is not a subject to be managed, but the principal to whom the system must account. When justice is delayed, ignored, or denied, accountability is no longer a request; it becomes a demand for principled, unrelenting change.”

The eThekwini Municipality has yet to respond to requests for comment.

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