Ugu billing: One problem solved, thousands more to go
Some customers are, however, asking whether the problem is not perhaps out of control.
IN what Scottburgh residents, Jeff and Sylvie White, have called a miracle, they finally had their water bill problems put to bed on Monday last week, after they had nearly paid a whopping amount of R10 302.
The previous week Mr White had sought the assistance of the paper in an attempt to share the message of his monthly struggle with the Ugu District Municipality.
For months the Whites had been struggling to get their water bill sorted out, ever since they had first noticed the completely irregular amounts for which they were billed.
They are the only people residing on their property and for them to use 56 kilolitres of water per month was next to impossible, they explained. In fact, according to their own readings, they use an average of nine to 13 kilolitres.
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Their problems have now been resolved but the new billing system implemented by Ugu earlier this year has affected thousands of other residents as well.
Ugu was asked when it could be expected that the new system would run efficiently and what measures customers could follow to ensure that they were not being overcharged.
“The municipality is currently experiencing problems with its billing system and work is under way to ensure this system is fully functional. Customers who have queries with their accounts are being attended to and responsible personnel are rectifying all inaccurate accounts as and when brought forward by customers,” said Ugu spokesman, France Zama.
“The municipality does sincerely apologise to all of its customers for these inconveniences and we can assure you that we are working towards ensuring that this system operates accurately,” he said.
Some customers are, however, asking whether the problem is not perhaps out of control.
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“I purchased a house in Williamson Street, Scottburgh approximately three years ago,” said Kim Badsey.
“We never had a zero account to start with. We have always paid an estimate of R600 each month, although nobody lived on the premises for the first four months. There was never a meter visible. When we needed to do work on the bathroom, the plumber had to find the meter – it was buried. This is what made us question the ‘readings’ that have never been done. For years, we continually got a bill for ‘x’ amount and paid it. Then, all of a sudden, we got a huge bill in the thousands.”
Ms Badsey says she is now stuck with a bill amounting to some R14 000. However, she continues to pay an amount of between R600 and R700 per month.
“Our meter is now exposed and can be read at any time, but the readings on the bills do not tie up with what is showing on the meter – so there are lots of discrepancies. I even drove to Ugu, but they were not prepared to help me. So, how do you resolve this, if they will not even step out of their office to attend to us,” Ms Badsey asked.
Another case was highlighted by Surie Moodley.
Her mother, a pensioner from Umzinto, has had her water cut off and is now stuck with a bill of some R10 000. Mrs Moodley’s mother, however, diligently continues to pay a monthly amount of R600.
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