The new ceilings on water consumption have now been added to the initial water restrictions, which pertained to outdoor water usage only.
Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, previously said residents may use buckets and watering cans to wash cars and water their gardens, between 6pm and 6am only.
“Beyond this, all forms of irrigation, sprinklers and filling of swimming pools are not permitted at all times,” Gadebe added.
According to the metro’s 2016/17 Tariff Schedule for water, the following penalties will be applied to transgressors of the water restrictions, pertaining to outdoor usage:
•Households: A fee of R6 753.64 per incident on the property
•Business and other users: A fee of R13 762.24 per incident on the property.
With the additional limits, a 10 per cent price increase will be imposed on all metered water consumption above 25kl (including free 6kl/9kl) per month for all household/domestic users.
“For all other user categories who fail to reduce their average consumption by 15 per cent, based on average consumption over the preceding 12 months, a water restriction tariff as approved by council and contained in the 2016/17 Tariff Schedule will apply,” Gadebe said.
These tariffs are (all excluding VAT):
•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.
Gadebe went on to say water consumption will largely be monitored via water meters, but will also involve reports from the public.
Clr Pieter Henning (Ward 25) said the entire community must work together to tackle the current water crisis.
“The turnaround time for repairing leaking pipes and water meters needs to drastically improve,” he said.
Henning encouraged residents to report any leaks or running water as soon as they can.
In a media release sent out by the DA in Ekurhuleni, it was stated the Vaal Dam is currently 29.4 per cent full.
“The situation is critical, every drop counts; reduce your use,” said Clr Derek Thomson, DA spokesperson for water and sanitation in Ekurhuleni.
Gadebe said: “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.”
In addition, the metro will aim to create a customer care telephone line by December, dedicated to the reporting of water misuse.
The municipal call centre can be reached on 086 054 3000.
Henning can be reached on 083 626 3563.
*It was previously stated that residents will be expected to reduce their average water consumption by 15 per cent. This is not true, as it only applies to non-domestic users. Apologies for the error.
Also read:
Metro and Mastercard help ratepayers
Plot residents will drive more smoothly soon
Sewer problems annoy residents
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
