Overstrand Municipality strives to read all water and electricity meters once a month to calculate resident’s monthly water and sewerage use. However, some meters are not read every month due to various reasons.

This month (August), meter readings for water and electricity in Stanford, Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle and Kleinmond have not been completed due to a change in the service provider. The previous provider did not fulfill their agreement, leading to the termination of the contract.

A new service provider has been appointed and meter readings will resume in September 2024. In the meantime, water usage for the billing period will be estimated.

When estimates are used, the municipality is required to make corrections once meter readings can resume to ensure that the consumer’s water bill accurately reflects actual consumption. These adjustments can result in either a credit or debit on the municipal bill.

The time between readings is crucial as the billing system calculates charges based on the number of days. If the period is extended, the Municipality adjusts the rate according to a sliding scale. For example, if the consumption period is 45 days, it will be calculated as 30 days at one rate and the remaining 15 days at a lower rate to avoid incorrect charges.

It is important to note that actual consumption for August will only be invoiced and reflected on the September account once the reading for the period becomes available.

You can help the Municipality obtain an accurate reading for your water and electricity meters by doing the following:

• Ensure you know the location of your water meter
• Keep your water meter accessible to municipal officials at all times
• Make sure it is not obstructed (e.g., by sand or weeds) and is easy to access and read. If your water meter is behind locked gates or if dogs prevent meter readers from accessing it, you may submit the reading yourself to the finance department in a timely manner.

Property owners are encouraged to submit their own meter readings on a monthly basis. You can do this either by emailing your meter reading to enquiries@overstrand.gov.za or logging onto the Collab Citizen App. When emailing, please include the following details:

• Account Number
• Account Holder’s Name
• Contact Details
• Date of Reading

For any questions regarding exceptionally high water bills, direct your inquiries to enquiries@overstrand.gov.za. Additionally, visit your nearest municipal office to verify your account details, use the Collab Citizen App, or contact the following offices:

• Kleinmond: 028 271 8400 or 028 271 8465
• Hermanus: 028 313 8000 or 028 313 8196
• Stanford: 028 341 8500 or 028 341 8516
• Gansbaai: 028 384 8300 or 028 384 8328