The residents of Wildtuinpark Estate are deeply concerned about several ongoing issues related to water meter inspections, water connections and disconnections, contractor access to the Estate, and the handling of resident communication and personal information by the Mogale City Local Municipality and its appointed service providers. This situation necessitates immediate attention and action to safeguard the interests of the community.

Firstly, the inspection and disconnection of water meters have become a recurring issue that affects the daily lives of the residents. There have been multiple instances where homeowners have experienced disruptions in water supply due to alleged inspection lapses or unwarranted disconnections. These incidents have not only caused inconvenience but have also raised health and hygiene concerns, particularly among families with young children.

Moreover, the process by which contractors access the Wildtuinpark Estate has been poorly managed. Residents have reported unauthorized and unscheduled visits by service providers, which not only disrupt the peace but also compromise the safety and privacy of the community. There is an urgent need for clear communication and strict scheduling protocols to ensure that all contractor activities are conducted with transparency and respect for the residents' privacy.

Another critical issue is the manner in which resident communication and personal information are being handled. Accurate and respectful communication from the Mogale City Local Municipality is paramount to ensuring residents are well-informed and can plan accordingly. In some instances, communication has been vague or delayed, leading to confusion and mistrust. Additionally, the protection of personal information is a legal and ethical obligation that must be adhered to at all times to prevent misuse.

We are calling on the Mogale City Local Municipality to conduct a comprehensive review of the current processes surrounding water meter management and contractor engagement. We urge them to implement systematic improvements that prioritize resident welfare and communication integrity. Establishing a dedicated liaison office or point of contact within the municipality could vastly improve transparency and foster a more cooperative relationship with residents.

Please join us in urging the Mogale City Local Municipality to address these issues promptly and effectively. Your support is crucial to bring about the necessary changes to ensure that the rights and needs of Wildtuinpark Estate residents are met. Sign this petition to make our community safer and ensure our voices are heard.

The following matters are placed on record for the Municipality’s urgent attention and written response:

1.  Representatives, contractors, or service providers attending at the Estate are reportedly failing to carry, display, or produce proper municipal identification,appointment letters, work orders, or written authority confirming their mandateto enter the Estate and perform work. This creates security, verification, and accountability concerns for residents and Estate management.

2. Water supply is allegedly being disconnected without adequate prior written notice, proper communication, or reasonable opportunity for affected residents to engage with the Municipality regarding the basis for such disconnection.

3. It has further been reported that contractors or service providers have attended at the Estate over weekends to conduct connections or related work, and that certain individuals have allegedly solicited unlawful payments or bribes from residents. These allegations are serious and require immediate investigation and corrective action by the Municipality.

4. Letters or notices relating to water connections, disconnections, or municipal account matters are allegedly being left openly on pavements and not in sealed envelopes. This practice may expose residents’ personal information to unauthorized persons and raises concerns regarding compliance with theProtection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (“POPIA”), including the obligation to process and safeguard personal information lawfully, securely and responsibly.

In light of the above, the Wildtuinpark Estate HOA Directors formally request an urgent meeting with the relevant senior representatives of Mogale City Local Municipality and the Mogale Water Division. The purpose of the meeting is to address the above concerns, confirm the lawful process to be followed for inspections, connections ,disconnections, resident notices, contractor identification and access control  and agree on a clear written protocol going forward.

Pending such engagement and the implementation of appropriate controls, the Estate reserves its rights to refuse or restrict access to any contractor, service provider or representative who fails to produce proper identification, proof of authority, work instructions or confirmation of appointment by the Municipality.

We request that the Municipality provide a written response to this correspondence and proposed meeting dates as a matter of urgency. The HOA Directors remain willing to engage constructively in order to ensure that municipal services are delivered lawfully, safely, transparently and with due regard to the rights and privacy of all residents.

Contact: K. Kubayi | 074 217 4073