November 1, 2005
By Tshepiso Seopa
WITH water crooks in their sights, Johannesburg Water (JW) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) are clamping down on those who contravene municipal water by-laws.
The campaign kicks off today, after 220 metro police officials received two months training on various laws relating to water services and enforcing specific by-laws.
Homeowners and businesses who break the by-laws can expect a knock on their doors, and a fine, from members of the metro police specialised unit.
Managing director of Johannesburg Water Gerald Dumas said, "This partnership between JW and JMPD is critical as it provides a mechanism through which the city can prosecute and charge by-law transgressors at an increased rate.
"We now have the necessary manpower and resources to ensure that the days of transgressing municipal water by-laws have come to an end within the city of Johannesburg."
According to the City's water by-laws, it is an offence to:
- Operate a water system without the consent of the City council;
- Interfere with or damage any part of the City's water supply system;
- Disconnect water meters or break the seals on water meters; and
- Prevent or restrict physical access of JW or council employees to the premises to carry out work on the municipal water system.
Contravention of these and other municipal by-laws constitute a criminal act. Transgressors can be arrested, and face a minimum jail sentence of five years or a fine of up to R1 500, or both.
More information about the City's water by-laws, and how to undo any damage already done to the water system without being arrested, can be obtained from JW's 24-hour call centre on 011 688 1500 or on the Joburg Water website.
People have also been encouraged to use an anonymous tip off line on 0800 1500 to report illegal connections, vandalism and theft of water meters, manhole covers and illegal water connections.
Jameel Chand, Joburg Water's senior communications and marketing manager, said, "This is going to be an ongoing process with the members of the specialised unit intensifying the campaign and making sure that by-laws are enforced."
Johannesburg Water buys water from suppliers Rand Water. It is responsible for supplying water and sanitation services to Johannesburg, from Orange Farm in the south to Midrand in the north, from Roodeport in the west to Alexandra in the east.
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