Metro warns about illegal use of fire hydrants

The City of Ekurhuleni has responded to an enquiry about a construction company accused of illegally taking water from a fire hydrant on the corner of Third Street and Dr Vosloo Drive, Bartlett, recently.

The matter was brought to the attention of the Advertiser by a resident, who sent photographs of the company’s truck parked at the hydrant and workers taking water from the hydrant. The resident also said this was not the first time this company had done this.

The company, Lucazi Civils, was approached for comment and stated they have a contract to provide maintenance services for the municipality’s water and sanitisation department.

When asked for details regarding this contract and what services they provide to the metro, the company declined to comment any further but confirmed its formal relationship with the metro.

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“Lucazi has a contract to provide maintenance services for the Ekurhuleni metro’s water and sanitation department,” a media statement read.

“We understand that the resident may have been inconvenienced and we sincerely apologise for this. We have a contract with Ekurhuleni (contract number: A-WS 05-2019), which is public record as it was awarded in an open tender process.”

While the metro confirmed the company is an appointed contractor, they offered more information for the public on the illegal use of water hydrants.

According to a statement issued by Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, divisional head for communication and media relations, fire hydrants are devices for extracting water from pipelines and water distribution systems for firefighters in the event of a fire, and only in very special cases will the City permit a person to utilise a fire hydrant and only at specific geographical positions.

“This applies even to City departments, including the water and sanitation department,” the statement read.

“It is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than firefighting unless authorised by the water authority. Any person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorisation is liable to prosecution and a fine.

“The current levy is R30 595.16, according to the promulgated tariffs code.

“Should there be any damage to the hydrant that will also be levied against the person at the repair cost plus 15 per cent administration fee.

“This applies even to the CoE departments in cases where there is no authorisation.”

The metro confirmed Lucazi Civils is appointed as contractors for major installation, repair, maintenance and ancillary work on the bulk water network for both south-west and north-east district, on an as-and-when-required basis and working for the City’s water and sanitation department in the area.

“However, anyone, including companies contracted to do work for the City, are still not permitted to draw water from an unmetered fire hydrant. Should they be found to be doing so, they are liable for a fine,” the metro said.

Residents can report the illegal use of water hydrants to watermeters@ekurhuleni.gov.za. Include the details of the incident (the address where the offence occurred, date and time, registration number of vehicle and photographs).

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