Water meter thieves strike in Malvern
Between January 3 and January 6, about 12 water meters were reported stolen in the Malvern area alone.
Water meter theft has become a large problem in Malvern and the surrounding areas over the past few months, with numerous homes being affected.
Despite the problem being reported and Johannesburg Water trying to replace the meters as soon as they are reported as stolen, the thieves show no signs of stopping.
Between January 3 and January 6, about 12 water meters were reported stolen in the Malvern area alone.
The EXPRESS was in the area on Tuesday where three water meters were stolen along St Frusquinn Street. Water was running all over the street.
As a result of the stolen water meters, which were forcefully removed, water was running out of pipes.
One of the residents, Ms Violet Mabaso, used a bucket to fetch water from damaged water line, as there was not water in her house.
She said they realised the meters were stolen on Monday morning when they woke up.
“We have been fetching water like this since yesterday because we need the water to flush the toilet. We cannot use the water for consumption as it does not look clean,” she said.
The ward councillor, Clr Mike Spadino, said water meter theft is a big issue in the area and even though Johannesburg Water replaces the stolen meters, it does not seem to be combating the problem.
“I think it would be better if Johannesburg Water just replaced all the meters with the plastic ones, whether reported stolen or not,” he said.
Comment was requested from Johannesburg Water. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
