GEORGE NEWS - A Heather Park resident has laid a complaint with Ikapa Reticulation Services, the company that reads water and electricity meters on behalf of George Municipality, after two of its employees were seen climbing over the boundary wall of his property.
The complainant, Robert Woodrup, says they do not need to get into his property as he sends a photo of his water meter to Ikapa for billing every month. A garden services company took the photo of the meter readers scaling the wall. They apparently also marked the wall where they climbed over. Their supervisor was present.
"From what I have been told, they have been doing this at other residences here in Heather Park too. This was observed by neighbours. Their vehicle had the company logo on it. Why are these types of people employed? Surely if you are in a supervisory position, you should know better. These two employees are not to be trusted. It seems to be the norm for them."
Responding to the complaint, Andrew America, director of business development at Ikapa, told the George Herald that the conduct of the two employees was unacceptable and is not condoned by the company. "There are processes in place for dealing with locked gates where no access is gained and the employees, in this case, clearly disregarded such processes. There will be an investigation into this incident and both employees involved will be subjected to our strict internal disciplinary processes."
The George municipal finance director, Keith Jordaan, said Ikapa must, in terms of their contract with the municipality, achieve 95% physical reading of meters to ensure delivery of accounts that reflect accurate readings. "It is therefore essential that residents give access to Ikapa personnel or make an arrangement with the service provider, in writing, to ensure that accurate readings are being recorded. However, the alleged manner in which readings have been obtained is unacceptable and the municipality apologises for the regrettable incident. The issue will be addressed with Ikapa, and remedial actions taken."
Ikapa must leave notice
Jordaan said that where meter readings cannot be obtained for any reason, Ikapa must leave a note informing the consumer that an estimation will be used for that particular month prompting them to supply a reading. "Consumers can provide their readings to Ikapa, but readings still require physical auditing every three months, for which an appointment with the consumer must be made. Ikapa's contract also includes attending to consumer queries regarding the reading of water and electricity meters, and matters in this regard must be directed to the service provider."
Residents may contact Ikapa on 063 742 1375 or 044 004 0014 or george@ikaparetic.co.za / george2@ikaparetic.co.za.
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