Shallcross residents in Chatsworth, Ward 71, say they have been struggling with prepaid water meters since December last year, when they discovered a notice from the Department of Human Settlements informing them that their existing water meters would be replaced.
Residents say they were not consulted before the meters were changed to prepaid systems. Since the installation, they claim they have struggled to afford water, adding to the financial pressure on pensioners and unemployed households.
The issue affects 562 units in the area, with residents calling for intervention to address their concerns about access to water and the affordability of the prepaid system.
Residents have also questioned the involvement of a third party in the installation of the meters, alleging that the installations were unlawful. They want clarity on who authorised the changes and are calling on the eThekwini Municipality to intervene.
The financial strain is particularly concerning for vulnerable households, which must balance the cost of water with other basic necessities, including food and electricity.
Beyond the water concerns, residents say their homes are deteriorating and require urgent attention.
They allege that heavy rainfall causes water to enter their houses, while some properties have leaking roofs, damaged walls, mould and other structural problems.
Residents say they were promised renovations when the Department of Human Settlements handed over their title deeds in 2021. However, several years later, they claim that the promised work remains incomplete, despite subcontractors having been sent to carry out some repairs.
The condition of the homes has left residents concerned about the long-term effects of the damage, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents are calling on the relevant authorities to address both the prepaid water meter concerns and the outstanding housing repairs.
Cindy Naidoo, who has lived in the area since 1991, said residents were struggling with the rising costs associated with accessing water through prepaid meters, particularly unemployed people and the elderly who depend on limited incomes.
“How can a pensioner survive when they have to pay for food, electricity and water? Residents are also expected to maintain their own yards, including paying for repairs and grass cutting. How are people supposed to survive?” she asked.
Naidoo said the cost of water was forcing vulnerable residents to make difficult choices between buying basic necessities and paying for water.
“If an unemployed person has only R60, they still need to buy a loaf of bread. But if the minimum amount they can spend on water is R60, what are they supposed to do?” she asked.
She called for the relevant authorities to intervene and address residents’ concerns about the prepaid meters and the upkeep of their properties.
The Tabloid will seek comment from the eThekwini Municipality and the Department of Human Settlements regarding the meter installations, residents’ concerns about affordability, the condition of the properties and the status of the promised renovations.
The story is developing.
