This is according to Lebogang Ramashala, acting metro spokesperson.
“It is for this reason that the municipality is taking a tough stance towards customers continuing to use water illegally,” she said.
“Illegal water connections not only result in unnecessary loss of water and costs to the municipality, but are a violation of other residents’ right to access clean water.”
She said a farmer is facing legal charges after an unlawful underground water pipe connected to the municipality’s water supply network was discovered.
“The illegal connection resulted in damage to a 400mm pipe supplying water to the Germiston reservoir, in Dawn Park, causing residents in that area to be without water for three consecutive days,” Ramashala added.
“Offenders found with an unmetered water supply, due to illegal connections, will be liable for a penalty, as well as additional charges to cover costs incurred, due to damage caused to the network or connections.
“Any form of theft is condemned by the municipality and we call on customers who are illegally connected to the network to come forward and rectify this. “
Residents are encouraged to play a role in the fight against illegal connections, by contacting the municipal services call centre on 0860 543 000, to report any suspicious conduct or people tampering with connections.
