Water meter theft on the rise.

WHILE water meter theft has always been a problem, the current water crisis has given criminals the opportunity to steal meters at an unprecedented rate without being noticed.

The fact that there is currently no water running through the pipes means that stolen meters  ll now go unnoticed unless sought out or until the water supply is restored, at which point the amount of water that will be wasted could reach disastrous proportions.

Due to the fact that older water meters still have brass or metal bodies, it is believed that these meters have scrap value and are being stolen so that they can be sold for money. This could become cause for concern as it invites more criminal activities into these areas. The question is, what exactly is being done to solve this problem?

The matter was reported to AbaQulusi Municipality on June 15, requesting a response as to what steps are being taken to avoid a crisis in this regard once the water supply is restored, and the following reply was received from the office of the Acting Municipal Manager: “Thanks for the information about the water meters, we did give it to the right person to attend to the problem as soon as possible.”

At the time of going to press, no further comment was available fro AbaQulusi Municipality.

Adriaan Botha of Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch advises the public to be cautious when faced with water meter thieves.

“Under no circumstances should one approach these criminals,” he advises. “In the case of water meter theft or if you witness someone tampering with water meters, immediately report the incident to Neighbourhood Watch on our emergency number, 087 808 3508, or directly to Link Up, who will log the fault and attend to the matter,” advises Botha.

Caption: Pipes protrude from the ground in President Street where the meters have been stolen.

Also read;Water meter theft a serious concern |

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