Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) spokesperson Themba Gadebe said: “Penalties for violations are expected to be applied from October 1, pending approval.”
READ: EMM corrects comment
In comment sent by the metro regarding water restrictions, Gadebe said the water restrictions resolution was passed by council on August 31 and became effective the following day.
According to Gadebe, the percentage by which users will be expected to reduce their consumption, as well as the maximum amount to be consumed per month, were still due to be finalised by council at the time of going to print.
For those not adhering to the upcoming requirements, a water restriction tariff as approved by council and contained in the 2016/17 Tariff Schedule will apply.
The municipal comment included a table, laying out the tariff increases to be levied against users who exceed the given consumption limit (all excluding VAT).
•Households, old age homes and hostels will be charged a 10 per cent increase
•Welfare organisations, government schools, public hospitals and churches will be charged a 20 per cent increase
•For business where water is supplied, but there is no relevant meter reading for the relevant month, irrespective of whether or not a meter has been fitted, the property owners will be charged a 30 per cent increase
•Business and other users, water supplied to Johannesburg Water and other local authorities, special tariff agreements/contracts with the council, sports clubs and SAPPI will be charged a 40 per cent increase.
“The situation (regarding water restrictions) will be reviewed in May, next year or earlier, as the case may be, as directed by the Minister of Water and Sanitation as well as Rand Water,” Gadebe explained.
He went on to say that water consumption will largely be monitored via water meters, but will also involve reports from the public.
Additionally, urban marshalls, EMPD and water inspectors will enforce the restrictions and penalise transgressors.
“To a large extent, water restrictions enforcement beyond water tariffs depends on public involvement reporting violations,” Gadebe said.
Comment from the metro’s finance department was still outstanding at the time of going to print.
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