Inconsistency with basic water use

On page four of Ekurhuleni Talks Special Edition dated June/July 2013, it is stated under the heading ‘Social Support’, that all residents will receive free basic water.

It is six kilolitres per household per month and free basic sewer (sic) of six kilolitres per household per month.

Why then, in this era of computers, where information is pre-programmed – and for which program taxpayers paid dearly – do we not receive the six kilolitres free per month?

Except in three instances to date, the rest of the accounts all reflect odd amounts.

Fair enough, the free units eventually even out, but why not consistently 6kl per month as stated?

Pauline Wolmarans.

The answer of the different units is in the pro rata calculation of the free units on a daily basis instead of a monthly basis.

The longer the reading cycle between reading dates the more free kilolitres the customer will get and vice versa.

This is the fairest method for allocating customers the free kilolitres.

Themba Gadebe,

Metro spokesman.