Reesidents urged to install water meters
Knysna Municipality is now presenting consumers with the power to determine their own monthly water usage account with the installation of prepaid water management devices (WMD).
“The rollout of this programme will assist us in protecting this resource (water) in a sustainable manner – and in a way that empowers the end consumer,” said Knysna mayor Mark Willemse. “The current situation sees many households that never had water meters installed and many more with faulty meters or leaks. Leaks not only waste water but can result in huge charges and accrued debt.”
Addressing inaccurate billing
He added that council was, however, addressing the issue of inaccurate billing. “At the special council meeting held on 15 April, we resolved to set aside R24-million to write off debt on inaccurate, excessive water services charges.”
Willemse said consumers will be able to manage the quantity of water they use. Purchasing prepaid units of water allows residents to budget according to their needs and means. “On a socioeconomic level, it urges all residents to participate in managing our water resources responsibly. It also creates a fair playing field where every household is financially accountable for their water usage, not just those who have traditional water meters installed,” he added.
The initial phase in progress
As most households in Wards 9, 10 and parts of Ward 5 already have traditional water meters installed, Willemse said, the initial phase of this project focuses on Wards 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11. “Many households within these wards are using water without the usage being measured, resulting in a misconception of overall water availability and a loss of revenue to the council. The Thesen Islands Homeowners Association, as well as the Waterways Homeowners Association, have already resolved to have water management devices installed throughout their developments.
“Although we expect to see an almost immediate increase in responsible water usage, installation of a meter will not affect the monthly allocation of free water … Once the monthly allocated water has been used, more units may be purchased …”
No restriction on usage for now
All prepaid meters will initially be installed on a free-flow basis, with no restriction on the amount of water used per household,” the mayor said. “Once the programme has reached a significant level of completion, the council may resolve to restrict usage on households that measure excessive usage, or users who are using water and/or prepaid meters illegally.”
Willemse assured residents that everyone has the opportunity to have a prepaid meter installed free of charge, including anyone who does not currently have a traditional meter installed. “Residents who refuse to have one installed during this initial phase will be responsible for any costs regarding future installations. Where households have no meter or prepaid water meter, water usage will be estimated and billed accordingly. The onus of demonstrating an incorrect estimate will fall on the owner of the property,” he added.
The project promotes job creation
The mayor also pointed out that the project is promoting upliftment and job creation in the area. “Locals from each ward are trained to install these devices. Depending on hours worked and competency levels, these upskilled individuals will be eligible for relevant Seta qualifications.
“We have been largely met with enthusiasm for this programme, despite the efforts of a few individuals who are bizarrely trying to turn this into a political matter. It makes sense to have a prepaid meter installed at your property. Not only will it save you money in the long run, it ensures that you are in complete control of your actual water usage – and how much you spend on it each month.”
Residents of wards not included in the initial phase may apply to have one installed, Willemse said. To do so, they can visit the technical services directorate at 3 Old Main Road Building in Church Street, call 044 302 6331 or contact their ward councillor.
“A pamphlet describing features of the prepaid meters and how they operate will be widely circulated,” the mayor concluded.
‘We bring you the latest Knysna | Garden Route News’
Source: Knysna Plett Herald News