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Gibson Mhaka
BULAWAYO councillors have expressed concern over the high water bills sent to ratepayers, despite the fact that some residents have gone without water for more than a month but have continued to receive monthly bills with estimated water meter readings.
The city is experiencing one of its worst water shortages in recent times, leading the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to implement a strict water-shedding schedule that is sometimes abandoned due to dwindling reservoir levels.
Residents have questioned why they continue to receive high water bills from the local authority despite the water shortages. They allege that their water bills have quadrupled in recent months, even though the supply is intermittent.
According to the latest council minutes, Ward 17 Councillor, Sikhululekile Moyo expressed concern over the inaccurate water bills sent to residents, particularly those who have been without water for extended periods but continue to receive bills based on estimated meter readings.
“Councillor S. Moyo was concerned about inaccurate bills. Some residents had stayed for more than a month without water supplies but had continued to receive monthly bills with water estimated meter readings. Other residents had received very high water consumption bills after assisting those without water. In her view, such issues needed to be properly addressed,” partly reads the minutes.
Ward 15 Clr, Ashton Mhlanga highlighted that during the previous billing workshop, it became evident that the current billing method was ineffective. He urged the Council to consider implementing smart water meters. Ward Two Clr Adrian Redan Moyo also supported the smart water meter concept.
“‘The issue of smart water meters has been discussed for a long time. Residents are now demanding that the Council install smart water meters throughout the City. Some residents have faulty meters but continue to receive very high bills,” he said.
Ward 23 Clr, Ntombizodwa Khumalo believed that Council should hire more meter readers to ensure accurate water charges are issued every month.
Ward 16 Clr, Greater Gumede was concerned about residents who collected water from unprotected wells near their residential properties. She said these properties did not receive water when supplies were reconnected, yet they continued to receive monthly bills with water consumption charges. Meanwhile, Ward 9 Clr, Donaldson Mabuto emphasised the importance of investigating all high water bills. He said some residents complained about high bills despite not paying for a long time. Ward 25 Clr, Aleck Ndlovu supported the current billing system. He noted that if residents paid their monthly bills on time, there would be no accruals. He urged Councillors to encourage residents to pay their bills every month.
Continuing their concerns about the plight of ratepayers, Ward 11 Clr, Susan Sithole also expressed concern about debt recovery. In some cases, attachments had been carried out by the Messenger of Court. She felt that property attachment was too harsh.
Ward 11 Clr, Susan Sithole was also concerned about debt recovery. In some cases, attachments had been carried out by the Messenger of Court. She felt that property attachment was too harsh.
Ward Six Clr, Nkosilathi Hove Mpofu did not also support the attachment of property in debt recovery. He also stated that the Council’s billing system was incorrect and should be discontinued. In response, Ward 26 Clr, Mpumelelo Moyo explained that billing was not only for water consumption but also included other services.
“The Council was expected to collect 70 percent of the billed amount. Debt recovery would continue. The consideration of smart water meters was a welcome development,” he said.
The Mayor, Senator David Coltart, highlighted that 48 percent of water delivered to the City was lost. This 48 percent translated to a significant amount of revenue. This revenue could be used to acquire smart water meters. The establishment of the water authority,by December 2025 would address some of these challenges.
“The current billing system is outdated. In other cities like Johannesburg, South Africa, residents can access their monthly bills through various media platforms. By the end of August 2024, monthly bills should be accessible through the Council’s website,” he said.
Online Reporter