Water crisis in Ward 98 as residents battle stolen meters and delayed replacements
Community members claim that after meters are stolen, water gushes unchecked for days or even weeks before any intervention is made by the municipality.
Residents of Ward 98 in the north of Pretoria have voiced their frustrations as stolen water meters and prolonged leaks compound their woes, pushing already strained households into deeper stress.
There has been a rise in the theft of water meters in recent months, leaving residents without proper access to water and at risk of being billed for consumption they never used.
Ward 98 consists of Clarina, Heatherdale, Klerksoord, Tileba, Winternest, Theresapark, Eldorette and Dorandia.
Community members claim that after meters are stolen, water gushes unchecked for days or even weeks before any intervention is made by the municipality.
This not only wastes a precious resource but could also lead to skyrocketing water bills for residents if not properly documented.
Community leader Dana Wannenburg said you must keep detailed records of your water meter.
“Take clear photographs, record the exact date and time of the incident, and track how many days water is leaking due to delays in repairs,” said Wannenburg.
Residents are urged to record every report made to the metro, including reference numbers and dates, and to continue following up weekly until the matter has been resolved.
“If your account shows high water usage during this period, you may be held liable unless you have proof that the water loss was due to poor service delivery,” warned Wannenburg.
Several residents have already reported being sent inflated bills following weeks of unchecked leaks, with temporary pipe connections.
“I have reported almost 32 water leaks from April 25, mostly caused by stolen water meters, and yet no or little action has been taken.
“Some residents have now been without water for eight consecutive days; this is not just neglect, it feels like deliberate sabotage,” said Wannenburg.
He said basic service delivery must be restored in Ward 98.
“We want immediate repair of water leaks and the replacement of stolen meters or at least temporary direct water connections so residents can access water again.”
Direct connections were made without any follow-up to reinstall a proper meter, exposing residents to accusations of illegal water use in the future.
One resident, Kagiso Moremi in Winternest, whose meter was stolen in March, said it took nearly a month for any action to be taken.
“Water ran for a week, and my bill went up for one month. Why should we pay for water that was wasted due to slow response from the metro?”
Wannenburg advised residents to keep meticulous records and preserve all evidence of communication with municipal departments.
“Rather be safe than sorry. Your records will be your only defence should your billing be disputed or accusations arise.”
He said residents of neighbouring The Orchards in Ward 4 are also subjected to the consequences of ongoing non-service delivery and blatant water wastage.
“For several weeks now, a broken water pipe at the corner of Dorfling Street and Jensen Road, near Orchard Buyrite, has been left unattended, despite multiple reports and desperate pleas by the community.
“Precious clean water continues to pour into the streets, forming pools and causing further damage to road infrastructure. Not only is this an environmental disaster, but it’s a painful reminder of the poor state of basic service delivery in wards 4 and 98,” he said.
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