City’s water fining system explained
Residents living in complexes and estates who do not show a saving could potentially have their bulk meter restricted.
THE City has clarified its stance on the new fining system which will affect residents who do not save 15 per cent of their water bill. If approved, the proposal will see those who fail to do so facing a fine as high as R500, while businesses will face a R10 000 fine. That’s the word from uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer.
The city will not be installing water restrictors on every home in Durban despite early indications that this would be the case.
“The water department will be installing restrictors in meters on a needs basis. Ednick Msweli says that individual free standing homes will be restricted if they don’t save the required 15 per cent, so at this stage it does not look like entire neighbourhoods will be restricted. Complexes and estates who do not show a saving could potentially have their bulk meter restricted. So there really is a potential for unfair restriction.
“Fines and restrictions will be based on a average 12 month consumption. So if your monthly consumption is 10 kl, your annual is 120kl. You would have to use 18kl less per year, or 1.5 kl less a month. Your monthly bill should have your average consumption on it,” he said.
