Meters disappear, taps run dry
Residents of Extension 44 in Greenside, say the theft of brass water meters is escalating daily, with litres of water going to waste.
POLOKWANE – RESIDENTS of Extension 44 in Greenside, say the theft of brass water meters is escalating daily, with litres of water going to waste.
One of the residents, Tumburai Goto said his yard was full of water.
“When I woke up one morning, there was water in the yard and I later realised that the brass water meter was stolen. This is affecting us and we cannot afford to live like this,” said Goto.
Another resident, Lawrence Mathebula said he spent money replacing the stolen water meter.
“As residents of Greenside, we should come together and work with the police to start conducting patrols during the night, maybe this will reduce the rate of theft in the area. Not only are we suffering, but the municipality is also losing more money as they have to replace all the stolen water meters,” said Mathebula.
Contacted for comment, municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, said they experienced a challenge with the theft of brass alloy water meters, which were currently used in areas such as Greenside.
“The municipality therefore plans to introduce plastic meters, but will continue to use brass meters which are currently available in stock to avoid unnecessary water losses. It remains the responsibility of the residents to apply for the replacement meters, pay the costs and produce proof of payment, whereafter the water and sanitation unit will replace such a meter,” said Chuene.
She further urged residents to assist the municipality in safeguarding these meters by reporting any incidents or thefts to the water and sanitation unit at (015) 290 2376 / 2001 / 2002.
