Smart meter rollout sparks service delivery concerns in Ward 20, eMbalenhle

The community, particularly from Ward 20, has mixed reactions to the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) initiative to roll out electricity smart meters in eMbalenhle.

The Ward 20 Clr in eMbalenhle, Masabatha Kubheka, said the community does not oppose the installation of smart meters but insists this process should coincide with improved service delivery.

Kubheka accused the municipality of sidelining Ward 20 in providing essential services. He highlighted persistent issues such as poor road infrastructure, frequent sewerage spillages, and inconsistent refuse removal.

“The municipal officials met with me and informed me about their intention of installing smart meters in my ward.

“I conveyed residents wanted services before the installation of meters.

This municipality has ignored my ward for too long. Now, they are prioritising meter installation because they are more concerned with revenue collection than service provision,” Kubheka stated.

Kubheka further alleged the ward’s neglect was politically motivated because Ward 20 was the only ward won by the opposition, the Azanian Residents Party, during the 2020 local government elections.

He believes the municipality’s inaction aims to undermine his leadership.

“Residents continuously question me about service delivery during our meetings. When I report these complaints to the municipality, I receive promises only.

“I believe this is because they want to create the impression that I am failing the residents,” he added.

Responding to these claims, Donald Green, media liaison and content developer for the municipality emphasised the benefits of the smart meter rollout.

According to Green, the smart meters aim to enhance billing accuracy and transparency, ensuring residents pay only for their actual consumption while providing the municipality with better revenue tracking.

“This modernisation effort bolsters the municipality’s capacity to collect revenue effectively.

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“With improved tracking of usage and tampering prevention, we can better protect revenue and deliver reliable services, including in Ward 20,” Green explained.

Green also mentioned the municipality has utilised multiple communication channels to inform residents about the smart meter rollout.

He warned against misinformation, urging residents to rely on official municipal sources.

“We have observed individuals resorting to scaremongering and false claims. We encourage residents to seek information directly from official channels to avoid being misled,” Green concluded.

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