Johannesburg Water has officially announced its upcoming transition from open billing to a new prepaid smart meter system in the community of Cosmo City.
This significant change will take effect starting from Wednesday, November 1st.
The decision comes after extensive consultation processes involving ward councillors and the local community to ensure residents are well-informed about the new billing system.
The consultation period involved educating residents on several important aspects, including the advantages of the new prepaid smart meters, guidelines for purchasing water, the importance of paying for services, and the availability of the Expanded Social Package (ESP).
Johannesburg Water has prioritized ensuring that residents understand the benefits and the mechanics of the new system.
To ensure a smooth transition, Johannesburg Water is urging residents in Ward 100 and Ward 114 to ensure they have a Customer Interface Unit (CIU).
These CIUs are essential display units installed inside homes and are linked to prepaid water meters.
They play a crucial role in loading units when purchasing water credits.
In the event that a customer has not received a CIU, they are encouraged to send a WhatsApp message to 064 083 4765.
The message should contain the property owner’s name and surname, the physical address of the property, meter details, and relevant contact information.
Additionally, the cost for replacing a lost CIU is R790, and residents can visit the Johannesburg Water site camp located on Massachusetts Crescent in Cosmo City Ext 0 for assistance.
Importantly, Johannesburg Water has issued a warning that residents who refuse to switch to the prepaid smart meters may face Level 3 water cuts.
Reconnection will only be possible after payment, emphasizing the significance of the transition for all residents.
In a related context, the DA (Democratic Alliance) has expressed support for proper public engagement regarding Eskom’s multi-billion rand smart meter program, reflecting the broader concerns and lack of public trust in South Africa regarding Eskom’s proposed R16 billion smart meter installation program.
This transition in billing for Cosmo City residents highlights the ongoing developments in utility services and the importance of efficient communication and community education when implementing new technologies.
People