Water bill estimates a potential woe for residents

The City of Joburg has noted that the number of days billed for water during the national lockdown is in excess of the usual 30 day period, which may result in an number of billing issues for residents, according to a statement released on 12 May.

The statement said, “The City is aware of accounts billed based on estimated consumption after pictures of meter readings were submitted. This has resulted in a higher than normal monthly bill.”

Ward 102 councillor David Potter said that it is concerning that the City allowed their billing system to estimate water readings for a two month period instead of the usual one month period, especially in light of the current circumstances many find themselves in during the lockdown. He also added that meter readers were due to start reading meters in the city this week.

“The City seemingly failed to capture many water readings reportedly sent to them before the deadline of 30 April.

“On receipt of their May bills from the City, residents inundated ward councillors with complaints. We immediately made contact with senior City officials on the matter who have since issued an update and apology to the residents of the City.”

The statement said that the City apologised for any inconvenience caused to residents, and if any residents have any billing issues, they should continue to pay their normal consumption bill.

Potter said, “The City has noted that residents should pay what they usually pay and that their June 2020 account will be billed with an actual water reading which should correct the over estimation of the previous months.”

The statement continued, “The City is already at work to resolve the billing errors in anticipation that the June bill will be corrected.”The City said that no interest would be charged on affected accounts.