Mogale City urges residents to save water amid R117m loss
Mogale City says it is losing an estimated R117m worth of water due to tampering and unaccounted-for consumption, prompting urgent measures to curb losses and protect the supply.
Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) is losing an estimated R117m worth of water due to tampering and unaccounted-for consumption, prompting the municipality to urge residents to use water responsibly and support efforts to curb losses.
According to MCLM’s assistant manager for media and PR, Refilwe Mahlangu, the losses are having a direct impact on service delivery and water security across the municipality.
“This loss affects service delivery, water security and every resident who plays by the rules. The City is now accelerating decisive interventions to protect this vital resource,” Mahlangu said.
She explained that the municipality has implemented a multi-year project to address water losses, with phased objectives running through the 2026/ 27 financial year.
The project includes:
• Replacing 12 000 prepaid water meters with conventional meters
• Connecting 600 bulk and zonal meters
• Installing five Rand Water bulk feed meters
Mahlangu said the first phase, implemented during the 2024/ 25 financial year, saw 1 250 domestic conventional meters installed in Swaneville, 165 in Munsieville, and 58 bulk residential service connections completed in Krugersdorp.
The second phase, carried out in the 2025/ 26 financial year, included the replacement of 2 000 prepaid meters with conventional meters in Azaadville. In addition, 34 bulk domestic meters were installed in Krugersdorp and Rietvallei, while 49 bulk business meters were replaced in Magaliesburg and Munsieville. Five Rand Water bulk feed meters were also installed to strengthen system monitoring and control.
The third phase, set to begin in the 2026/ 27 financial year, aims to replace 1 750 prepaid meters with conventional meters in Azaadville, install 100 bulk domestic meters and structures in Rietvallei, and replace 76 bulk business meters in Munsieville and Noordheuwel.
“For the 2026/ 27 financial year, Mogale City has applied for R30m in funding from the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant to complete the project,” Mahlangu added.
She concluded by warning that water theft affects more than just the municipality. “It hurts paying residents as well.”
