Resident, Ken Brijder, was shocked to discover he had been billed by Johannesburg Water for R20 000.
Brijder said the bill was for 655kl of water, which he was told is the equivalent of almost 43 households. He received the bill in April and has been in correspondence with the entity ever since to resolve the matter.
According to Brijder, he was pushed from pillar to post and received no joy until he contacted Ward 97 councillor Leah Knott, who put him in contact with some people she knew at Johannesburg Water.
“A big thanks to those who did step in and help me. It is good to know that there are people who you can turn to and get help,” said Brijder.
He added that he was told by the council lawyers not to pay the bill until the matter was investigated. However, he still received numerous phone calls threatening to shut off his water and was asked to make down payments on the large bill.
Brijder was convinced there must be a fault as he has lived in his house for 15 years, he lives alone, does not own a fish tank or a pool, and only ever used around 17kl a month. He awaited a water meter test but the meters in the area were replaced with new plastic meters before his original meter was tested.
Knott said she sent Brijder’s issues to the Region C revenue department for resolution and, after investigation, they noted that the consumption spiked and the spike was consistent with a water leak. Other than the spike, the consumption seemed normal.
Knott explained, “A water meter test will only indicate if a meter is faulty and on his account, no request was issued for any meter test request. Also, no meter will be tested prior to payment of the test. If the test fails then this amount will be credited back to the account or refunded. At present, they are currently awaiting the meter test.”
Earlier in October, Brijder received a phone call to assure him water to his household would not be cut off.
Johannesburg water has yet to comment on the above issues.
Details: Leah Knott 082 633 9070.
