There is no conspiracy when it comes to rates, it has been said.
Last week, a DA Amajuba delegation took up an invitation by Mayor, Afzul Rehman to examine the increased rates tariffs, the source of anger for many residents.
In attendance was DA Member of the Provincial Legislature, Dr Imran Keeka.
Alongside councillor, Bebsie Cronje, Dr Keeka met with Cllr Rehman and a senior manager, using Dr Keeka’s municipal account as a sample.
“We examined the billing system to do a spot reading, to verify whether readings on my account correlate.”
Following residents’ reports of bills increased by up to 300 per cent, three water and electricity accounts were randomly selected to be tested, at no cost.
The outcome of these tests will be publicised once meters are checked for faults, Dr Keeka added.
From his personal sample, it was established there was a period where Newcastle’s readings were averaged, as many of the six meter readers were off sick.
“This resulted in higher accounts when the meters were read afterwards, and the amounts correctly adjusted to correlate with meter readings in the subsequent billing period.”
Another fact was that at times, meter readings were estimated.
Dr Keeka stated accounts were billed at the exact National Energy Regulator of South Africa, and the DA members saw an official document outlining the tariff of charges.
“It was agreed there is a need for more meter readers. We also suggest that in the unfortunate event of future estimates, the difference between the actual figure and the possibly underestimated figure is billed as a separate account, and residents are allowed to pay this over a period of time.”
It was not the fault of any residents, Dr Keeka further said, there were insufficient readers.
“No one should therefore be burdened with excessive amounts in any single month.”
Offering advice, he urged residents to ensure geysers were turned off when not in use, geyser temperatures were lowered, leaks were fixed, showers were shorter, cars were not washed with a hose pipe, and alternate energy sources or energy saving devices were explored.
He felt this would go a long way to ensuring bills were lower and the environment was safer and cleaner.
“We must do everything we can to save water and energy right now.”
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Cllr Rehman said the meeting put Dr Keeka’s mind at ease, after sending out a reader and checking his reading against a previous reading.
“It showed it had been read.”
Cllr Rehman agreed more staff would be appointed and reading dates would be advertised to make the process more transparent.
Further, he has asked the Electricity Department to increase public education on high-consumption appliances
“We will also test meters, a process we have already done, but this time taking sample testing.”
Cllr Rehman expressed his confidence in the user pay principle of Newcastle, and reaffirmed no conspiracies were afoot.
This notion was affirmed by Dr Keeka, in closing.
“Our freedom and good service delivery is not a favour from Government, but a right. It is absolutely fair we expect the best from our Government, which manages our money and more so, to ensure people’s rights and freedom are not trampled upon.”
