Ward 57 fire hydrants illegally used despite authorities intervention
A Ward 57 councillor has warned of ongoing water theft in Lyttelton, but Tshwane municipal officials report that lock installations are curbing infrastructure abuse.
Persistent illegal water drawing from fire hydrants in Ward 57 is causing widespread disruption to residents in Lyttelton, according to Freedom Front Plus councillor Wesley Jacobs.
Jacobs said he has locked 19 hydrants with the assistance of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) following reports from concerned community members.
He linked the incidents to an informal settlement along the rail reserve near the Sports Park PRASA station, which began growing in 2019.
Hotspot shifts and syndicate claims
Jacobs explained that residents report hydrant hotspots to him weekly. He said that after one hydrant is secured, those accessing water illegally move to another source.
He alleged that a syndicate illegally draws water daily, using 25-litre buckets transported on trolleys to sell to residents in the informal settlement or to supply an illegal car wash at a local shopping centre.
“The community did not agree to this, yet as taxpayers, they suffer day and night with noise pollution, toxic air pollution, crime, vandalism, and many other things,” he said.
Jacobs called for stricter by-laws and stronger consequence management, including greater authority for the TMPD to act against those abusing municipal infrastructure.
Photo: Supplied
Tshwane Metro responds to vandalism
The Tshwane Metro previously stated it had introduced locking mechanisms on vulnerable fire hydrants to curb illegal use and vandalism.
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city continued securing vulnerable hydrants with specialised locks accessible only to authorised personnel.
According to Mashigo, the intervention had proven effective and contributed to a noticeable decline in illegal hydrant use and vandalism in Centurion and other parts of the city.
Mashigo said municipal employees and authorised contractors may draw water from fire hydrants only under controlled and authorised circumstances linked to municipal services, maintenance, or emergency response.
“The city also has controls to ensure water drawn from hydrants is used responsibly,” he stated.
Photo: Supplied
Legal action and reporting
Mashigo noted that the municipality takes unauthorised use seriously and could investigate and take legal action where necessary.
He referred to an incident in which the TMPD encountered a vehicle drawing water from a hydrant. An investigation found the vehicle and occupants were authorised, with the contractor working for the city to fill a tanker used for high-pressure jetting of sewer pipelines to clear blockages.
Mashigo said the metro reprimanded the service provider and instructed it not to use vehicles with damaged or leaking pipes.
He added that individuals found using hydrants without authorisation would be investigated and, where warranted, face legal action under applicable by-laws and legislation.
Photo: Supplied
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure, including fire hydrants, particularly where there is uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the operation.
“Where possible, residents should take a photograph of the vehicle, ensuring that the registration number is clearly visible, and report the matter to the TMPD for verification and investigation,” said Mashigo.
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