Follow-up: City blames residents for dry taps
In addition, it also provides refuse collection and ad hoc maintenance.
The residents of Wally Hayward flats in Elandsfontein voiced their grievances after eight months without water from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE).
The CoE owns the apartment buildings, and occupants had no access to water since last June.
Because of their circumstances, residents have linked hose pipes from the fire hoses to the piping system.
They use this water to drink, bathe, cook and do all the chores needed.
ALSO READ: Residents in Elandsfontein left without water for eight months
According to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the city provides accommodation in the form of rentals and provides electricity and water to the residents. In addition, the CoE also provides refuse collection and ad hoc maintenance.
“The Water and Sanitation Department attended to the water situation. Some tenants tampered with the bulk meter valve, which affected the water supply,” said Dlamini.
“The city is responsible for managing the common areas, ad hoc maintenance, and infrastructural maintenance.
“Tenants are responsible for the maintenance of the interior of their respective units,” said Dlamini.
“We must make it clear fire hoses are solely for the use of emergencies such as a fire, and not drinking.
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“Water connections form an integral part of the building and its infrastructure.
The damage to water supply components such as illegal water connections and tampering with the bulk meter will hurt the infrastructure of the building, including the structure.
“There is also the problem of unaccounted water because of the illegal tapping onto the system,” said Dlamini.
