Opinion / Columnist
Open letter to Fadzai Mahere, Ian Makone and Town Clerk
23 Sep 2023 at 11:44hrs | Views
I hope this open letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the unfair and exorbitant water charges that residents of Harare, particularly in the Mt. Pleasant constituency, have been subjected to without any meter readings.
We have not seen anyone from council taking meter readings and we wonder how the calculations are being arrived at.
No meter reading in over 18 months yet we get exorbitant bills.
Water is a fundamental necessity for every individual, and it is the duty of the local authorities to ensure its provision in a fair and transparent manner. However, it has come to my attention, as well as that of many residents in our constituency, that the water bills we have been receiving are excessively high and do not reflect actual usage. The water barely comes out the taps but we have to pay for it when it's unavailable.
The lack of meter readings is a serious issue that raises questions about the accuracy and fairness of these charges. Without proper meter readings, how can we trust that we are being billed correctly? It is unjust to burden residents with exorbitant charges without any evidence or verification of their water usage. This not only places a financial strain on families and individuals but also erodes their trust in the local authorities.
We kindly request that you urgently address this matter and take the following actions:
1. Conduct Meter Readings: We implore you to ensure that meter readings are conducted regularly to accurately determine the water usage of each household. This will not only provide transparency but also allow residents to understand and monitor their consumption.
2. Review Water Charges: In light of the absence of meter readings, we urge you to review and reassess the water charges levied on residents. It is crucial that these charges are fair, affordable, and based on actual usage.
3. Improve Communication: Enhance the communication channels between the local authorities and residents regarding water billing and related matters. Ensure that residents are regularly updated on any changes in tariffs, billing procedures, and the rationale behind these decisions.
4. Establish Accountability: Hold all relevant individuals and parties accountable for the lack of meter readings and the subsequent unfair water charges. We cannot allow our residents to suffer financially due to negligence or lack of proper administration.
We strongly believe that it is the responsibility of our elected representatives and local authorities to act in the best interests of the people they serve. Accessible and affordable water is essential for the well-being and livelihoods of the residents of Mt. Pleasant and Harare as a whole.
We kindly request your urgent attention to this matter. We trust that you will take the necessary steps to rectify the unfair water charges and ensure that future billing is accurate, transparent, and reasonable.
Thank you for your attention and prompt action in addressing this critical issue.
We have not seen anyone from council taking meter readings and we wonder how the calculations are being arrived at.
No meter reading in over 18 months yet we get exorbitant bills.
Water is a fundamental necessity for every individual, and it is the duty of the local authorities to ensure its provision in a fair and transparent manner. However, it has come to my attention, as well as that of many residents in our constituency, that the water bills we have been receiving are excessively high and do not reflect actual usage. The water barely comes out the taps but we have to pay for it when it's unavailable.
The lack of meter readings is a serious issue that raises questions about the accuracy and fairness of these charges. Without proper meter readings, how can we trust that we are being billed correctly? It is unjust to burden residents with exorbitant charges without any evidence or verification of their water usage. This not only places a financial strain on families and individuals but also erodes their trust in the local authorities.
We kindly request that you urgently address this matter and take the following actions:
1. Conduct Meter Readings: We implore you to ensure that meter readings are conducted regularly to accurately determine the water usage of each household. This will not only provide transparency but also allow residents to understand and monitor their consumption.
3. Improve Communication: Enhance the communication channels between the local authorities and residents regarding water billing and related matters. Ensure that residents are regularly updated on any changes in tariffs, billing procedures, and the rationale behind these decisions.
4. Establish Accountability: Hold all relevant individuals and parties accountable for the lack of meter readings and the subsequent unfair water charges. We cannot allow our residents to suffer financially due to negligence or lack of proper administration.
We strongly believe that it is the responsibility of our elected representatives and local authorities to act in the best interests of the people they serve. Accessible and affordable water is essential for the well-being and livelihoods of the residents of Mt. Pleasant and Harare as a whole.
We kindly request your urgent attention to this matter. We trust that you will take the necessary steps to rectify the unfair water charges and ensure that future billing is accurate, transparent, and reasonable.
Thank you for your attention and prompt action in addressing this critical issue.
Source - Tsungirai Gore
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