Water meter theft a serious concern
Consumers are fined on a monthly basis for using too much water, due to the water restrictions. Who then, is responsible for the wasted water when these meters are stolen?
It doesn’t require a degree of any kind to realise that, without water, we’re in big trouble.
For several weeks, the water problem in AbaQulusi has been in the spotlight, with water restrictions having been in place for quite some time already. Vryheid is running out of water – simple as that. The steadily shrinking dam is evidence enough.
It is therefore understandably infuriating to anyone who understands the implications of this looming disaster when criminals find themselves entitled to the little bit of brass in a water meter.
On two separate occasions, in less than a week, two water meters have been stolen from Hlobane Street
and President Street respectively,
leaving water, a precious resource to all living things, gushing wastefully down the street,
awaiting the eventual response of the municipality to attend to the rather serious problem.
Consumers are fined on a monthly basis for using too much water, due to the water restrictions. Who then, is responsible for the wasted water when these meters are stolen?
In response to our request, the AbaQulusi Municipality had the following to say regarding the theft of water meters,
“Theft of meters is an ongoing challenge in Abaqulusi area. This is due to the fact that most meters still have brass in them. To avoid theft, all meters are replaced with plastic, making it useless for it to be sold anywhere. Meters are replaced as soon as they are identified or reported. The meter at Liberty building was attended to by the plumber, Jerome Mhlongo, who was on standby.
