Local pensioner, Annatjie Rheeders recently expressed her concern after being issued a faulty electricity meter some years ago.
Rheeders has been living with her partner and property owner in Quentin Street for the past 30 years. Although she admits they’ve fallen behind on their water and electricity account over the years, they’ve always tried to make payments where possible.
“In an effort to get more accurate readings and hopefully reduce costs, we had an electricity meter installed in 2013. After about five years of successfully making use of the meter, it appeared as though the meter registration number has been registered under a second property,” she said.
In 2017 Rheeders took to the City Power depot in Booysens where another electricity meter was arranged for her property. She went on to explain that the meter was installed on a post outside her yard.
“After five more years there still seems to be issues as we’ve had our water and electricity switched off on countless occasions. But it’s always been one or the other – not both at the same time. And now, we haven’t had water or electricity for the past few months. We can’t keep living like this,” she said.
Although her account is in arrears, Rheeders – who is currently unemployed – claims that the owed amount of more than R300 000 doesn’t justify her and her partner’s utility usage.
“We know we’re behind on our account, but not this far behind. It simply isn’t possible. It appears we are still having to pay for someone else’s electricity usage. We can’t afford to pay that amount as we are struggling to get by as is,” she said.
According to Rheeders she reported the matter to various officials, including Ward 84 Councillor, Johannes Goosen who stated that he is aware of the matter.
“The resident’s complaint has been taken up with the Revenue Department to sort out the outstanding issues. It is my understanding that the meter is not working properly and so I asked City Power to visit the residence and investigate the matter. I subsequently advised Ms Rheeders to go to the City Power depot for further assistance,” he said.
Rheeders hopes the problem will be addressed as she deems it inhumane to be left without either water or electricity.
