In September, Bertie Liebenberg’s utility bill (electricity and water) was R9 980, of which the water bill was R6 256.75.
This huge amount led him to visit the municipality for some clarification, and he was then referred him to the water department, in Crystal Park.
“At the water department, I was referred to Elliot Gomba, a very polite young man who immediately helped me. He checked my water usage for the last year and confirmed that my usage was consistent over the last 12 months, except for the last account I received,” Liebenberg said.
According to Liebenberg, Gomba personally inspected the meter box and found no problem, but suggested that it should be taken in for testing anyway.
“In November, I paid the R1 511 at the council to have my meter removed and tested. They said would take between six and eight weeks to do,” Liebenberg said.
By the beginning of January, his meter had still not been removed, instead, it was blocked.
“I went on holiday in December and, when I returned, my pre-paid electricity meter was blocked because my utility bill was in arrears of R10 697, and I had to pay R1 000 upfront to unblock it,” he said.
The total utility bill was standing at R10 697, because Libenberg said he refused to pay the initial R9 980 in September; instead, he chose to pay R2 500 every month, because that was the average amount that he used to pay.
Upon paying the R1 000 to unblock the meter, a consultant at the water department advised Liebenberg to ask for an extension at the end of every month, to prevent his meter from being blocked again, until the problem is solved.
Towards the end of January Liebenberg visited the department to ask for an extension and, to his surprise, there was still no note on his account to have his meter tested.
“It was 11 weeks since I paid for the meter to be removed and the department was still asking for my proof of payment. Nevertheless, I sent it to them and I waited for a response,” he said.
By February 15, Liebenberg grew tired of waiting and contacted the department again.
“I emailed the department again on February 15 and still nothing has happened,” he said.
On Friday, he resorted to speaking to Gerrie Kriek, the councillor for Ward 27, who advised him to speak to someone in the billing department, but Liebenberg said that his calls were not answered.
