City Of Johannesburg Municipality
1.5|1,372 reviews
RM
Rene M
1 reviews | Active since Member
30 Apr 2026, 09:11
Water leak seen by staff of City of Joburg but didnt do anything to report
Staff member of City of joburg cane to a reading saw that ther is water leak just took the reading without register a water leak
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Rene M's updateReviewer Update
30 Apr 2026, 09:16I would like to lodge a formal complaint regarding a billing issue and poor service related to our water meter.
I did not receive any municipal account for the month of February. In March, I then received an account reflecting an amount of approximately R11,000, which is significantly higher than our usual monthly bill of around R5,000.
I contacted the customer accounts queries department to investigate the matter. During this process, I was informed that the water meter readings recorded were inconsistent, with January being billed over 27 days and February over 39 days. This raised concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the billing.
I was then asked to physically check the water meter and provide an updated reading. When my husband inspected the meter, he discovered that there was an active water leak.
This is where my main concern lies: a City of Johannesburg meter reader had previously accessed the property to take readings, yet no attempt was made to notify us of the visible leak or to log a fault for repair. As a result, the leak went undetected for an extended period, leading to excessive water usage and a substantially inflated bill.
It is extremely unfair that we are now expected to carry the financial burden of this situation when there was a clear opportunity for early intervention by City officials. A simple notification or report at the time of the meter reading could have prevented this issue from escalating.
From a consumer rights perspective, this situation raises serious concerns. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, consumers are entitled to fair, reasonable, and just service, as well as accurate billing. Additionally, municipal services are expected to be delivered in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of residents. The failure to communicate a known issue and the resulting financial prejudice contradict these principles.
We request the following:
A full investigation into the billing and meter readings
Consideration for an adjustment or reduction of the account due to the undetected leak
An explanation as to why the meter reader did not report or communicate the leak
Assurance that better processes will be followed to prevent similar situations in future
We feel let down by the lack of proactive service and accountability, and we expect a fair and reasonable resolution to this matter.
I did not receive any municipal account for the month of February. In March, I then received an account reflecting an amount of approximately R11,000, which is significantly higher than our usual monthly bill of around R5,000.
I contacted the customer accounts queries department to investigate the matter. During this process, I was informed that the water meter readings recorded were inconsistent, with January being billed over 27 days and February over 39 days. This raised concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the billing.
I was then asked to physically check the water meter and provide an updated reading. When my husband inspected the meter, he discovered that there was an active water leak.
This is where my main concern lies: a City of Johannesburg meter reader had previously accessed the property to take readings, yet no attempt was made to notify us of the visible leak or to log a fault for repair. As a result, the leak went undetected for an extended period, leading to excessive water usage and a substantially inflated bill.
It is extremely unfair that we are now expected to carry the financial burden of this situation when there was a clear opportunity for early intervention by City officials. A simple notification or report at the time of the meter reading could have prevented this issue from escalating.
From a consumer rights perspective, this situation raises serious concerns. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, consumers are entitled to fair, reasonable, and just service, as well as accurate billing. Additionally, municipal services are expected to be delivered in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of residents. The failure to communicate a known issue and the resulting financial prejudice contradict these principles.
We request the following:
A full investigation into the billing and meter readings
Consideration for an adjustment or reduction of the account due to the undetected leak
An explanation as to why the meter reader did not report or communicate the leak
Assurance that better processes will be followed to prevent similar situations in future
We feel let down by the lack of proactive service and accountability, and we expect a fair and reasonable resolution to this matter.
RM
Rene M's update30 Apr 2026, 09:16
Reviewer Update
I would like to lodge a formal complaint regarding a billing issue and poor service related to our water meter.
I did not receive any municipal account for the month of February. In March, I then received an account reflecting an amount of approximately R11,000, which is significantly higher than our usual monthly bill of around R5,000.
I contacted the customer accounts queries department to investigate the matter. During this process, I was informed that the water meter readings recorded were inconsistent, with January being billed over 27 days and February over 39 days. This raised concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the billing.
I was then asked to physically check the water meter and provide an updated reading. When my husband inspected the meter, he discovered that there was an active water leak.
This is where my main concern lies: a City of Johannesburg meter reader had previously accessed the property to take readings, yet no attempt was made to notify us of the visible leak or to log a fault for repair. As a result, the leak went undetected for an extended period, leading to excessive water usage and a substantially inflated bill.
It is extremely unfair that we are now expected to carry the financial burden of this situation when there was a clear opportunity for early intervention by City officials. A simple notification or report at the time of the meter reading could have prevented this issue from escalating.
From a consumer rights perspective, this situation raises serious concerns. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, consumers are entitled to fair, reasonable, and just service, as well as accurate billing. Additionally, municipal services are expected to be delivered in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of residents. The failure to communicate a known issue and the resulting financial prejudice contradict these principles.
We request the following:
A full investigation into the billing and meter readings
Consideration for an adjustment or reduction of the account due to the undetected leak
An explanation as to why the meter reader did not report or communicate the leak
Assurance that better processes will be followed to prevent similar situations in future
We feel let down by the lack of proactive service and accountability, and we expect a fair and reasonable resolution to this matter.
I did not receive any municipal account for the month of February. In March, I then received an account reflecting an amount of approximately R11,000, which is significantly higher than our usual monthly bill of around R5,000.
I contacted the customer accounts queries department to investigate the matter. During this process, I was informed that the water meter readings recorded were inconsistent, with January being billed over 27 days and February over 39 days. This raised concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the billing.
I was then asked to physically check the water meter and provide an updated reading. When my husband inspected the meter, he discovered that there was an active water leak.
This is where my main concern lies: a City of Johannesburg meter reader had previously accessed the property to take readings, yet no attempt was made to notify us of the visible leak or to log a fault for repair. As a result, the leak went undetected for an extended period, leading to excessive water usage and a substantially inflated bill.
It is extremely unfair that we are now expected to carry the financial burden of this situation when there was a clear opportunity for early intervention by City officials. A simple notification or report at the time of the meter reading could have prevented this issue from escalating.
From a consumer rights perspective, this situation raises serious concerns. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, consumers are entitled to fair, reasonable, and just service, as well as accurate billing. Additionally, municipal services are expected to be delivered in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of residents. The failure to communicate a known issue and the resulting financial prejudice contradict these principles.
We request the following:
A full investigation into the billing and meter readings
Consideration for an adjustment or reduction of the account due to the undetected leak
An explanation as to why the meter reader did not report or communicate the leak
Assurance that better processes will be followed to prevent similar situations in future
We feel let down by the lack of proactive service and accountability, and we expect a fair and reasonable resolution to this matter.