A WhatsApp group (GTM – tankers/hydrants) was established where residents can report and post photos of these illegal activities. In one particular case, a truck tapping water in the early morning from a fire hydrant in Skirving Street next to Build-it in the CBD, has infuriated businesses located in the area as the tankers leave the streets with water flowing from the hydrants damaging roads. Victor Wilkenshaw, manager at Build-it, told the Herald that he is dismayed about the situation.

“What happens if one day a fire breaks out and we find that the fire hydrants don’t have water. “This is not right, the municipality must do something about this,” he said. Although he empathises that the water goes mostly to villages that are left without water, he wants it to be done according to municpal regulations. GTM spokesman, Neville Ndlala, told the Herald that drawing water from any hydrant is illegal as the municipality has provided a designated water point for tankers at their workshop next to the Talana Hostel.

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DA ward 15 councillor, Chrizelle Dreyer, who is part of the WhatsApp group, said the practice is unacceptable. She said tankers can locate water from the fire hydrant in Koedoe Street only. Dreyer said that a number of vehicles collecting water from hydrants all over town have been identified. “There have been reports from villages where tankers sell water. But again, you cannot refuse people water. “I know it doesn’t justify illegal tankers selling water to people for their own benefit,” she said. Dreyer advises residents to report anyone drawing water at fire hydrants other than the one in Koedoe Street, to the water department or herself. Contact Dreyer on 082 628 4181 for more information.