Cradock streets see blue smart meters as rollout gets underway

Smart water meter installations have begun in Cradock (Nxuba) from 20 April 2026, with the Chris Hani District Municipality rolling out the new system across multiple streets and areas.

As installation teams move through neighbourhoods, residents can expect the new blue meter boxes to start appearing on pavements near homes — a look that is already standing out as something different in local streets.

According to the municipality, the rollout is aimed at addressing long-standing complaints from residents about inaccurate municipal billing. The smart meters are expected to improve the accuracy of water usage readings and help resolve billing discrepancies.

The project also forms part of a broader plan to gradually replace ageing infrastructure and improve water and sanitation services across the district.

Questions and concerns remain

While the municipality has positioned the rollout as a solution to billing issues, similar installations elsewhere in the district have already raised a number of questions from residents.

Among the concerns previously raised are how the new system will work in practice, including how billing will be calculated, what tariffs will apply, and whether residents will be given clear instructions on how to use or manage the new meters.

There have also been questions about whether water supply could be disrupted during installations, and how the system will ensure accurate readings in all conditions.

For now, as the rollout begins in Cradock, residents are likely to see more of the new blue boxes appearing across pavements in the coming days — bringing with them both the promise of improved billing and a fresh set of questions.