Sol Plaatje Municipality has requested homeowners and occupants to allow meter readers access to their properties in order to read, install, inspect, relocate or repair any meter.
SOL PLAATJE Municipality has requested homeowners and occupants to allow meter readers access onto their property in order to read, install, inspect, relocate or repair any meter.
Municipal spokesperson Thoko Riet advised that if no access was gained for three consecutive months, the municipality would install a prepaid meter.
“As part of a data cleansing exercise and revenue enhancement and protection drive to ensure efficient billing, the municipality will verify customer information. Notice of 14 days will be served to any person who is in contravention of applicable legislation and municipal policies. The municipality will disconnect the supply of electricity to any premises where the provisions of legislation and municipal policies are contravened,” said Riet.
She indicated that property owners could submit their own meter readings, including photographs of the meters, subject to municipal officials gaining access every third month.
“Water meters must not be covered with sand, debris and obstacles. Notices left in the post boxes by the meter readers must be responded to.
“The municipality will be sending out notices requesting customers to visit the offices of the municipality in order to update their personal details. All electricity meters belonging to the municipality must be read by November 30.”
Riet warned residents that they were aware of an individual who was calling clients, threatening to disconnect their electricity if they failed to pay him a bribe.
“The person claims to be from the Sol Plaatje cut team and arrives at a client’s premises. Staff members must produce their identity such as a name tag or uniform. The cut team member will also first confirm the outstanding amount owed and advise to make a direct payment to the municipality. No payment should be made into any individual’s bank account.”
