The following article was published in the Sandton Chronicle as well as on their website written by Pascale Michael, Caxton Publishers.

SANDTON – Ward 102 councillor, David Potter, would like to inform residents about the new ins and outs of Johannesburg Water's meter-reading system.

Ward 102 councillor, David Potter, would like to inform residents of recent changes to the Johannesburg Water meter-reading processes.

Potter explained that in a statement received from the entity, it was highlighted that the organisation is currently in the process of migrating from having some meters read by contractors to full in-house meter readings. “This process has involved the recruitment and training of meter-reading staff. During the transition, there has been an increase in the number of customers billed on estimated consumption. Residents’ bills may be higher than usual as the estimated consumption has been based on more days than the normal billing cycle of 30 days,” said Potter, who stressed that residents are, however, assured that the billing system will automatically adjust once an actual reading is taken.

“Residents must also remember that consumption at levels above 20 000 litres [per] month is currently subject to an increased drought-related tariff structure,” he explained.

According to Potter, the situation will soon be normalised, and it is expected that the estimated reading percentage will decrease significantly from the next billing cycle. He explained that the entity’s meter readers can be identified by their ‘JW-branded’ blue overalls or bright yellow bibs.

The statement highlighted, “In addition, each of them carries JW staff identity, displaying their name and employee number. If in doubt, residents can verify whether a person is an actual JW meter reader by visiting the website where their photographs and names are clearly listed.”

With regards to disconnections, where a payment is not made, Joburg Water would like residents to note that their technicians and those of the organisation’s approved service providers are not authorised to enter into any negotiations with residents. Therefore, residents should never offer or entertain any offers of payment to stop or delay a disconnection. Any such attempts should be reported immediately.

The statement further explained, “[Johannesburg Water] technicians and those of our approved service providers are not authorised to remove meters from residents’ properties during a disconnection. Again any attempts to do this should be reported.

“While every effort is made to reconnect services in the shortest possible time after credit control action, residents should allow up to 48 hours for a reconnection request to be actioned. It should be noted that payment at a City Revenue Centre will reflect on the system sooner than the alternative pay-points available.”

Details: meterreading@jwater.co.za

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