A Phoenix pensioner and her son have had to do without a metered water supply for six months after their water meter was stolen.
The family say that they have been estimated for water usage ever since the incident and they claim these charges are inaccurate and exorbitant. Sharon Chetty explained: “In recent months there has been an organised attempt to steal water meters in the area. Our home was one of those unfortunate ones which have been affected by this crime. When the meter was stolen we reported it immediately to the municipality who only responded a day later. When they finally arrived they were unable to install a meter as they said that they did not have stock.”
“They then did what they said was a straight line connection which meant that we would have water supply but it would not be metered. At the time being it seemed reasonable but as the months past we noticed that our bills were escalating and we were being estimated for water usage. We then enquired about the reinstatement of our meter and had no joy. This is when we approached Jonathan Annipen from the IFP. Mr Annipen made contact with the municipality and made arrangements for a new meter to be installed,” said Mrs Chetty.
Annipen said that it was unfair that rate-payers had to suffer at the hands of an incompetent municipality who have continuously displayed disregard for the needs of the people. “When the Chetty family approached me for help, I found that the City had made no attempts to resolve the matter. The fact that there was no stock didn’t mean that there were no alternatives. The city could have installed second-hand meters which are ordinarily removed when customers default on payment etc. These are perfectly fine to use as a temporary measure until stock is procured,” said Annipen.
He said that unfortunately forward thinking is absent within the City. “The municipality is also aware that this is an ongoing problem and there is a constant shortage of water and electricity meters yet no effort is made to remedy this problem. When I learned of the Chettys’ situation I spoke with officials and discovered that in fact, many people who have had the same misfortune, had their meters installed within days. It was totally unfair that the Chettys were being disadvantaged. I insisted that they remedy the issue so that the family would not be prejudiced further. Within a matter of days the issue was resolved,” added Annipen. Annipen advised residents with similar problems to call at his office in Gem City or call 031 350 3285.
