Water carried away from cemetery

With the added security at active cemeteries in Ekurhuleni residents still walk in and out of the cemetery, carrying buckets and other large containers filled with water.

During the Addie’s visit to the cemetery, no fewer than six people were seen carrying litres of water from the site while the on-duty security guard paid them no heed.

Ward councillor Dean Stone confronted a few of the residents and asked why they are taking water from the cemetery.

“We don’t have a choice, there is no water in our taps so where must we get water?” said one of the residents.

Themba Gadebe, spokesman for Ekurhuleni says it is illegal for them to take water from the cemetery.

“The community leaders and stakeholders involved should address the issue as with regards to water supply to the informal settlement,” he says.

The Ekurhuleni Municipality Water Department is responsible for the water at the cemeteries and Gadebe adds that thoroughfare is not allowed at the cemetery.

“If entry is for purposes that are not cemetery related, the onus lies with the security officer that is stationed there to take charge and stop people who are going through to fetch water.”