Water meter theft is prevalent in various areas of Cape Town, with significant financial implications for the city. Between July 2022 and May 2023, approximately 2 255 water meters were stolen across Cape Town, resulting in a cost of about R3.9 million for the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate.
To combat this issue, the City is taking proactive measures by replacing brass meters with plastic ones.
Also read: The City is replacing water meters to ensure that readings are accurate
Compared to the previous year’s period of July 2021 to May 2022, the number of water meters replaced due to theft has decreased from 2 676 to 2 255. The top 10 areas most affected by water meter theft between July 2022 and May 2023 were Ottery, Kensington, Lentegeur, Westridge, Wynberg, Lotus River, Portland, Milnerton, Tafelsig and Glenhaven.
The City noted that the total water meter population in Cape Town is 683 306.
To discourage theft, the City has ceased the installation of brass water meters and now exclusively installs plastic water meters due to the scrap value associated with the former. The Water and Sanitation Directorate is actively replacing water meters in different areas of the city based on functionality and age as part of its proactive meter replacement plan.
This plan aims to gradually replace older metal meters, while brass meters are routinely replaced through reactive service requests. This approach ensures that the City’s water meters, considered capital assets, are utilised effectively.
Residents can contribute to addressing vandalism and theft by promptly reporting any incidents related to water and sanitation infrastructure, including water meters. The City strongly condemned the theft of critical infrastructure and urged residents to be vigilant and report such incidents to enable investigations and prevent further consequences.
To incentivise the reporting of theft or vandalism, the City has established a reward system. Individuals providing information leading to the arrest of suspects involved in vandalising or stealing water and sanitation infrastructure, including water meters, may be eligible for a reward.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a two-night stay along Route 62 in a self-catering cottage. Get it here.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, emphasised the importance of reporting and the City’s commitment to addressing these issues.
‘The City has put out a reward for anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of suspects who are vandalising or stealing our water and sanitation infrastructure, including water meters,’ he said.
The City is implementing various efforts to combat theft and vandalism and mitigate their consequences. One of these measures includes offering a reward of up to R5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of a suspected manhole cover thief or the recovery of City property.
If you possess confidential information regarding the stolen property or a suspected offender, you can contact the City’s Law Enforcement or Metro Police at 0800 11 00 77 to potentially receive the aforementioned reward.
Residents should be aware of the following channels to report stolen water meters and arrange for replacements:
- WhatsApp: 060 018 1505
- Online: capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
- Email: [email protected]
- SMS: 31373 (Maximum 160 characters and standard rates apply).
- Call: 0860 103 089
- Visit a City walk-in centre.
Once a water meter is reported stolen, the City aims to conduct an inspection within 24 hours. If a replacement is deemed necessary, it should be completed within an additional 24-hour timeframe in most cases.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Also read:
R18.5bn investment in pipeline for Cape Town’s water and sanitation
Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook