Harmelia resident disputes water bill amidst water meter conflict

Although the water leak has been repaired, Joseph’s meter has not been replaced.

February 20, 2024

Stephan Lehman 1 minute read

Norman Joseph is next to the repaired water meter site. On his right, there should be two water meters, one for him and another for his neighbour. In his hand is the rusted pipe that was removed and replaced when the leak was repaired in January.

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 has been repaired, Joseph’s meter has not been replaced.

However, the meter of his neighbour was replaced on February 12.

Joseph said on November 29 water started seeping from below the ground, under the meters.

Norman Joseph is next to the repaired water meter site. On his right, there should be two water meters, one for him and another for his neighbour.

“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.

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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.

The rusted pipe that was removed from the ground when the leak was repaired in January.

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.
Despite this, he is still without a meter and receiving interim water readings.

Municipal staff trying to repair the leak on December 22.

Joseph said when he received his interim bill, it indicated he used 30kl water, something which he disputes.

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“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.

“Without a meter to take my readings, the city can charge me what they want.”

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.