Cape Agulhas Municipality is calling on residents to secure their dogs after three reported attacks on meter readers since February, including an incident that left a municipal worker with serious injuries.
“The escalating safety concerns have prompted the municipality to issue an urgent appeal to property owners emphasising meter readers are legally authorised to enter premises to access water and electricity meters as part of essential service delivery,” the municipal spokesperson said. “The recent spate of dog attacks has highlighted growing risks faced by municipal workers performing routine duties. The serious injury sustained by one staff member has underscored the potential severity of such incidents and the need for immediate preventive action. Municipal authorities are emphasising that meter reading is a critical function that ensures accurate billing and service delivery to residents across the Cape Agulhas area.
“The municipality is asking residents to implement simple safety measures including properly restraining dogs before allowing staff access, ensuring clear pathways to water meters and taking steps to prevent potential attacks on municipal employees. Our meter readers are authorised to enter properties to read water and electricity meters.
“We ask all residents to please ensure that dogs are properly secured before staff enter.”
For residents who prefer not to allow property access due to the presence of dogs the municipality has established several channels for self-reporting meter readings: Phone: 028 425 5500 or 028 425 5519, email: lieketsengm@capeagulhas.gov.zan or WhatsApp: 066 283 6304.
“Your cooperation helps keep our workers safe when delivering essential services,” the municipality said.
