Reason for water meter thefts explained

Incidents of theft should be reported to the South African Police Services.

June 29, 2016

Lucky Thusi 1 minute read

HELPLESS: Chris van der Merwe walks past one of the water meters from which brass parts were stolen on Monday, June 27.

IN a statement issued by Joburg Water (JW) external communication officer, Eleanor Mavimbela, it emerged the reason for the theft of the water meters is the brass bodies that the old water meters consist of.

More and more water meters are being stolen in the South almost every night. Chris van der Merwe who lives in Alberts Street, Rosettenville said two water meters were stolen outside his yard and his neighbour’s. “Besides these two meters, another one was stolen up the road. I have put a plastic pipe to connect the two pipes so that we can have water in the house. Thousands of litres of clean water are being wasted here,” he said.

Eleanor confirmed that this is a big problem in Johannesburg. “Our records show that no less than 5,836 units were stolen in the City of Johannesburg in 2015.The reason for the theft of the meters is the brass bodies that the old meters consist of. JW has therefore changed its meter specifications to phase out the brass body meters and replace it with plastic body meters.

“Residents are advised to report incidents to our call centre as soon as possible. Our depots prioritise the replacement of stolen meters to lessen the amount of water lost. Incidents of theft should also be reported to the South African Police Services. This will assist in strengthening their investigations and ultimate apprehension of suspects,” she said.

JW can be contacted on 011 688 1400, SMS line – 082 653 2143, tip-offs anonymous – 080 000 2587 and email – customer@jwater.co.za and the police at the following numbers: Booysens Police – 011 433 5223, Moffatview Police – 011 405 1500 and Mondeor Police – 011 433 5400.