MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipality is replacing old water meters with new digital meters for more accurate water readings.
This replacement programme was implemented across the municipal area at the beginning of May and is now in its final stages.
During the past four months the meter reading process was restructured to ensure that actual readings of all meters will be taken every month and that estimations will be limited to those properties with no access.
The first readings were recently recorded.
The municipality has revised its water meter reading routes and schedule and is in the process of replacing old water meters with new digital meters.
Meter reading success rate
As a result of this and other monitoring measures put in place, the water meter reading success rate currently stands at more than 92%. This is a clear indication that estimations have been kept to a minimum and actual water meter readings and correct billing processes are in place.
In order to achieve as close to 100% as possible, the municipality appeals to residents to assist the meter readers to gain access to the more than 500 currently inaccessible properties to take the actual readings.
The main reasons for meters not being read include: meters that are underground, properties are locked and inaccessible due to locked gates, various obstructions, dangerous dogs on the property, street boxes that are locked, and meters that cannot be found.
Water meter readings start in Glentana on the 18th of every month and move westwards and finish in Dana Bay by the 12th of the following month.
Effect on resources
Estimates with regard to water meter readings and unreliable, old water meters have had a significant impact on municipal income and resources, which ultimately affects service delivery. The new digital meters will assist the municipality to reduce the possibility of human error and will ensure accurate billing on accounts.
The municipality appeals to the public for cooperation in this regard. Those who have been issued with notices regarding access to their meters must attend to this immediately to avoid penalties and estimated readings and billing.
By-law
According to a municipal by-law, property owners are responsible for keeping water meters accessible and in working order and to report any faults or problems to the municipality immediately. This responsibility ultimately lies with the consumer, who could be held liable for the subsequent municipal account and timeous payment thereof.
Schedule
As per the set reading schedule, readings will start in Glentana on the 18th of every month and move westwards and finish in Dana Bay by the 12th of the following month.
The five different areas of the municipality will be read in the following specific order:
- Area 1: Glentana to Great Brak River, 18 - 21 of each month;
- Area 2: Great Brak River to Little Brak River (including Friemersheim), 22 - 25;
- Area 3: From Little Brak River and the residential areas east and north of the industrial area (including Ruiterbos and Brandwag), 26 - 29;
- Area 4: Industrial area and Mossel Bay town (including D'Almeida), 30 - 4; and
- Area 5: Heiderand to Vleesbaai (including KwaNonqaba, Asla Park, Herbertsdale, Buisplaas and Boggomsbaai), 5 - 12.
Note that due to weekends these dates are subject to change marginally.
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