News / Local
Astronomical water bills shock residents
17 Aug 2021 at 07:20hrs | Views
MPOPOMA Residents in Bulawayo have decried high water bills ranging from $19 000 to $20 000, which they allege have been inflated to enable the city council to make up for income lost due to underestimated bills.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) spokesperson Sithandizile Moyo told Southern Eye that Mpopoma residents had approached them seeking assistance over the inflated bills.
"The residents approached us for help after receiving their latest water bills which ranged from $19 000 to $20 000.
"They reported having discovered that the bills were a result of previously underestimated bills," Moyo said.
Mpopoma-Pelandaba legislator (MDC) Charles Moyo confirmed receiving complaints from residents.
"Yes, l am aware of the issue and we are currently investigating the problem. It is not good to have high estimated bills because they are a burden to residents, particularly in this COVID-19 time," Moyo said.
Mpopoma-Pelandaba councillor Frank Javangwe said he was shocked by the high bills.
"This is a challenge to residents, and l am going to follow up on the matter," Javangwe said.
The council has been on a collision course with ratepayers amid revelations that it is sending estimated water bills as it does not have the manpower to conduct physical meter readings.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) spokesperson Sithandizile Moyo told Southern Eye that Mpopoma residents had approached them seeking assistance over the inflated bills.
"The residents approached us for help after receiving their latest water bills which ranged from $19 000 to $20 000.
"They reported having discovered that the bills were a result of previously underestimated bills," Moyo said.
Mpopoma-Pelandaba legislator (MDC) Charles Moyo confirmed receiving complaints from residents.
"Yes, l am aware of the issue and we are currently investigating the problem. It is not good to have high estimated bills because they are a burden to residents, particularly in this COVID-19 time," Moyo said.
Mpopoma-Pelandaba councillor Frank Javangwe said he was shocked by the high bills.
"This is a challenge to residents, and l am going to follow up on the matter," Javangwe said.
The council has been on a collision course with ratepayers amid revelations that it is sending estimated water bills as it does not have the manpower to conduct physical meter readings.
Source - newsday
