Harmelia resident disputes water bill amidst water meter drama
Resident waits two months for meter replacement.
Harmelia resident Norman Joseph has more questions than answers because he was left without a water meter after he reported a leak.
Although the water leak was repaired, Joseph’s meter was reinstalled on February 19, a week after his neighbour’s was replaced on February 12.
Joseph said on November 29 water started seeping from below the ground, under the meters.
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“On December 22, municipal staff arrived and told me they were instructed to install a new meter. I questioned it, but did not think much of it,” said Joseph.
He said after not being able to fix the water leak, municipal staff left the site with his water meter.
Joseph believes one of the reasons the team was unable to fix the water leak was the amount of holes in the old galvanised pipe.
He said when the municipal team returned at the end of January, they repaired the leak.
Joseph said the leaking pipe was replaced with PVC pipes which in his opinion is better, as it would not rust.
While he was without a meter Joseph received interim water readings.
Joseph said when he received his interim bill, it indicated he used 30kl water, something which he disputes.
“For the past five years I have recorded my usage, by taking my readings and as a household we use on average of 21kl,” said Joseph.
He said, “Without a meter to take my readings, the city can charge me what they want.”
Following the installation of his meter Joseph thanked all involved for their assistance.
Besides feeling unfairly charged, Joseph believes the amount of potable water lost while the leak was running for almost two months extends into the millions of litres.
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on February 14 requesting comment by February 16 at 14:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
