Water meter forensic investigation in final stages
Knysna Municipal Manager Mr Dawid Adonis said the forensic investigation into the procurement of water meters is in its final stages.
“The municipality received a complaint from a member of the public and as we subscribe to the Batho Pele principles of openness and transparency, an independent investigator was appointed a year ago.
The same complaint was levelled at the Provincial Government in June 2020 and they are conducting a parallel investigation in the matter. Once we have received the final reports it will be submitted to Council.”
Adonis said the installation of the water meters takes place in phases. “The current phase rolled out during April this year and will see another 2 000 meters installed by the end of the calendar year. Upon completion, 10 000 new units will have been installed throughout all wards of the greater Knysna municipal area over a three year period.”
He said the approximately 142 meters that were found to be defective were replaced by the supplier at no cost to the municipality.
Adonis said the installation of these sophisticated water management devices is an important aspect of our water and revenue management strategies.
“The meters have numerous advantages – it prevents excessive water service charges by detecting leaks and provide consumers with the power to decide how much a household spend on the water in any given month. It also allows us to maintain an accurate bearing on water usage and availability and ensure that water services are paid for fairly and equally.
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