Ugu admits to water loss of 33 percent
Only about 66 percent of the water Ugu supplies is billed for and much of it is underbilled.
WATER losses, poor meter reading, inaccurate accounts and poor recording are a major challenge for Ugu municipality. This was reported to Ugu council when the audit committee presented its quarterly report at a council meeting last Thursday.
The audit committee pointed out that there were still difficulties in obtaining accurate and credible water usage figures, because staff members entrusted with the assessment of monthly water usage are not providing credible figures.
It was also highlighted that water rates and arrear accounts were an ongoing concern. “Even though the municipality will get its equitable share in December, the incorrect water accounts are still a big concern, as there is now a lack of public confidence in Ugu’s water billing,” said Paul Preston, the audit committee chairman.
“We have noted that arrears are disputed and penalties are challenged. Ugu management and the independent external auditors have acknowledged that many accounts are incorrect,” he explained.
It was also revealed at the meeting that water losses run at about 33 percent, which means only about 66 percent of the water Ugu supplies is billed for and much of it is underbilled.
“The Auditor-General will table its management report for 2012/13, the audit committee agrees with the municipal manager that we have no option but to accept the possibility of adverse findings and continue with the rebuilding process initiated by the municipal manager,” he concluded.
