New Germany resident slapped with R513 000 water bill
Sithembiso Nzama said his problem started in October 2016 when he received a letter from eThekwini Municipality stating that his water consumption was higher than normal.
A NEW Germany resident who received a R513 000 water bill is mortified as he has tried to resolve this problem without success.
Sithembiso Nzama said his problem started in October 2016 when he received a letter from eThekwini Municipality stating that his water consumption was higher than normal.
He checked his meter and found there was a leak and immediately notified the municipality.
A plumber came to fix it but there were two more leaks which he duly reported and they were also repaired.
Also read: Residents dispute unfair water bills
However, in November 2016, his bill totalled R20 254.04 and it kept accumulating and the last bill he received was of R 513, 178, 28.
“After the first leak, I started monitoring the water metre daily and after a week or two, I noticed that there were more leaks.
“I notified the municipality and they gave me a second reference number. Their plumber came out and fixed the leak,” explained Nzama.
He said he has been to the Pinetown Civic Centre hoping that the bill will be sorted out but was told that he should not worry and should pay his normal bill which was between R1800 and R2000.
“This has left me confused as in all the bill letters, it states that I should settle my account or they will cut off or restrict service after 14 days,” he said.
In March this year, Nzama received an SMS notification from the insurance to inform him that they have settled his account, amounting to close to R45 000.
“Although I was not happy with the amount they charged my insurance, I was at ease that I will not be getting these bills with ridiculous amounts.
“But that feeling did not last for long as my March bill shot up to R132 662. I went back to them and I showed them the reading I took, it was far less than their reading and this shows that someone is not doing what they are suppose to do,” said Nzama.
eThekwini Municipality head of communication, Tozi Mthethwa, said if the customer is not satisfied with the service they have been given, they can address the matter directly with the supervisor or ask to speak to the relevant manager.
Also read: Municipality addresses Metro bill woes
“If she/he is not available then an appointment should be requested. Councillors are also providing an important supporting role in ensuring that customers are assisted satisfactorily,” said Mthethwa.
She added that the matter will also be sent to the relevant unit for investigation.
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