eThekwini plans citywide smart-meter rollout as residents challenge high water bills

Author: iol.co.zaPublished on: October 31, 2026Country: South Africa

Society & LifestyleTechnology

eThekwini plans citywide smart-meter rollout as residents challenge high water bills

Durban residents are challenging water bills that sometimes reach tens of thousands of rand, along with disconnection threats while their disputed accounts are being reviewed. eThekwini Municipal Speaker Thabani Nyawose says estimated meter readings and unreported household leaks are partly responsible for high charges. He says the smart-meter installation project is at an advanced stage, but fitting every property will take several years. In the meantime, residents can submit meter-reading photos through the municipal mobile app to help improve billing accuracy.

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