KAROO NEWS - This came to light recently when a Lotusville resident contacted local councillor Eldrige Ruiters in despair, after battling for almost a year to get an incorrect account rectified.
The elderly resident’s account in January 2019 showed an initial water meter reading for December of 456, and final reading of 519. The account should thus have been for 63 kilolitres, a total cost of just over R650 at the tariff applicable at the time.
However due to an inexplicable error, she was charged almost R12 500 for 937 kilolitres.
According to her monthly accounts, her water consumption usually varies between four and five kilolitres, so it is unclear how the figure of 63kl could have been recorded.
Her son has reported the problem at the municipal offices several times, with no results, and each month the statements have reflected increased interest. The most recent account shows arrears of over R13 000.
At the beginning of this month the consumer’s son contacted Ruiters, who spotted the discrepancies in the readings.
“I would strongly recommend that residents personally check their meter readings as a precaution, specifically when abnormal readings appear on account,” said Ruiters.
“The account is being investigated, and the resident is requested to please visit or call the Budget and Treasury department, so that the matter can be resolved,” said Acting Media Liaison Officer for the DBNLM, Edwardine Abader.
She also encouraged community members to report any account concerns to the municipality.
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