Five years of frustration: Westcliff resident battles Joburg Water over ongoing billing error
While one resident celebrates a resolution, another is still waiting for the City to read the right meter, after five years of reporting the problem.
When the publication reported that Peter Maher’s water billing issue had finally been resolved after a year, Amalie von Maltitz could not help but feel a mix of surprise and quiet frustration. Her own battle with Johannesburg Water has been going on for five years, with no end in sight.
Von Maltitz, a long-time resident of Pallinghurst Road in Westcliff, has spent years trying to convince the City of Johannesburg to read her water meter instead of her neighbour’s. Despite countless emails, photographs, reference numbers, and even visits to municipal offices, the error continues.
“The meter reader simply reads the same meter for both me and my neighbour,” she said. “Even though I’ve shown proof that it’s the wrong one, I’m told that’s just what’s on their list.”
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Her ordeal began in November 2019 when she noticed that her water bills were unusually high. After comparing the readings, she discovered that the figures belonged to a different meter. She reported the issue at the Randburg Municipal Office and was assured the matter would be investigated. Nothing changed.
Over the years, she has submitted photos of her actual meter, clearly showing the address, stand number, and account details. She kept a record of her efforts, including a formal report submitted in 2022 by the previous Westcliff councillor, Bridget Steer. The report even included a map of the properties. Von Maltitz was issued a reference number and continued sending meter photos at regular intervals.
In April 2024, she escalated the matter by visiting the Ombudsman in Braamfontein. After a lengthy discussion and detailed documentation of her complaint, she received a new case number: OCOJ24/00012577. Still, there has been no official feedback.
On April 9, 2025, without any notice, the old meter in front of her home was removed and replaced with a new one. Yet her most recent bills continue to reflect readings from the neighbour’s meter.
“I’ve tried everything. I’ve followed the channels. I’ve paid bills that weren’t mine. Now, I want the City to investigate the full history of this error and refund me for the overcharges since 2019,” she said. “There has been no explanation, no apology, and no effort to make it right.”
Despite years of incorrect billing, Von Maltitz has not yet sought legal advice. She is open to sharing all documents and correspondence relating to the issue, but hopes a solution can be reached through proper municipal channels.
Johannesburg Water has been contacted for comment. The publication will update this story once a response has been received.
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