The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has roped in two experienced companies to handle its meter reading, effective February 2013. Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Kuntwela Enzansi Ventures CC, who both have considerable experience in the metering and billing field including revenue management, have each been appointed on a 12-month contract. Sebata will render meter reading services in the Benoni, Kempton Park and Tembisa areas while Kuntwela will handle the remaining areas.

Ekurhuleni Metro has since embarked on a process to investigate new meter reading technology that can offer good value for money in so far as metering solutions are concerned. “This is the reason we have appointed two service providers for 12 months so that we have an opportunity to explore new technologies,” explains Sam Modiba, Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson – adding that the metro’s long term plan leads to the appointment of a service provider for a period of three years.

The process to put in place a three-year tender has begun in earnest.

The newly appointed service providers take over from Motla Consulting Engineers whose contract expired on 31 December 2012. In terms of the tender, the companies have to be fully functional within one calendar month upon acceptance of the contract.

In addition, Ekurhuleni Metro will continue offering the option of residents being able to phone in or e-mail readings to the relevant customer care areas.

“Due to the constant change of service providers, the metro is further investigating the use of its corporate and E-Siyakhokha websites for capturing of readings by residents. This will help the municipality address the risk of being dependent on external contractors for tender periods,” Modiba continues.