Durban – As the city rolls out the smart meter project, eThekwini Municipality’s Electricity department has issued a warning to residents to be cautious as reports revealed that criminals are posing as municipal employees and contract staff.
The city recently implemented the project as part of its Smart City Strategy, which seeks to have 350 000 smart meters installed by 2024.
“The public was advised to request for identification before allowing anyone inside their premises. However, it has been brought to the city’s attention that there are criminals posing as municipal employees and contract staff,” said the municipality.
The municipality said it prioritises the safety of residents.
“The city will therefore work with law enforcement to investigate the matter,” it said.
The municipality said to further authenticate an employee’s identification details or to report any suspicious behaviour, residents can contact its Revenue Protection Division through the following numbers:
Revenue Protection Central Office:
031 311 6533
031 311 6536
031 322 3945
Revenue Protection Northern Office:
031 311 5525
031 322 9394
Revenue Protection Southern Office:
031 311 5028
031 311 5035
031 311 5033
Last month The Mercury’s sister publication, the Daily News reported the city’s plans to eventually have a smart meter installed in every single house within its perimeters and that at the time of the report, just over 70 000 smart meters had already been installed.
The report said dedicated teams have been assigned across all regions replacing old meters with new ones.
Customers are advised to check for the following details before giving anyone access to their premises:
- A permanent employee who comes to your house to change your meter must produce an identification card that has their name, surname, photo, service number and must be wearing blue overalls.
- However, a contractor will be wearing red overalls, and their identification will state that they are subcontracted under a company working with the municipality. Their identification card must include an expiry date of the contract.
- Beyond being identified by their apparel, the employee or contractor on site will have documentation pertaining to the meter change.
The municipality urged customers to always request identification.