The GCN received an email from a concerned resident of Dawnview.<\/p>\n
The resident, who wishes to remain unnamed, was concerned about the electricity and water meter readings in the suburb (Dawnview).<\/p>
She wrote: “For the second consecutive month I have received an interim account ; not because I have not been home when the meter reader comes, but because the meter reader just does not come anymore.<\/p>\n
The last time a meter reader was here was at the beginning of February, and even then it was 10 days after the readings were supposed to have been done.”<\/p>
She explained to the GCN that she and other residents were given an e-mail address for the new company responsible for meter readers in the metro, and had been sending her readings there.<\/p>\n
“These e-mails have either never been received by the company or completely ignored by the billing department,” she said.<\/p>\n
She went on to write a letter to eSiyakhokha complaining about the situation.<\/p>\n
“My complaint was forwarded to Laura Storm, who replied to my complaint by telling me if I want my readings registered every month, I must take photos of my meter displaying the meter number, the reading and the date.<\/p>\n
“Why?<\/p>\n
“What is wrong with taking my word for it?<\/p>\n
“I do not have a camera that can display the date, I only have my cellphone camera, and it is very basic,” she explained.<\/p>\n
The GCN was able to reach the metro for comment.<\/p>\n
“Note that the contract of the 2013 MRC expired and new contractors were appointed.<\/p>\n
“We are now in the change-over phase and it is believed that this has led to resident’s meters not being read.<\/p>\n
“The phone-in service with the MRC’s will be available soon.<\/p>\n
“As soon as the contact details of the new MRC’s are available, the public will be notified accordingly,” said Lebogang Ramashala, from the metro’s department of communications and brand management.<\/p>\n