After recently almost experiencing dry taps, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality cannot afford to waste a drop of water. However, it seems this is not the case in Ward 9 where Councillor Heinrich Muller’s office is situated, in Linton Grange, Gqeberha.
On January 4 this year, Muller reported vandalism where water pipes were stolen. As a result, the office taps were dry while running water from the meter flooded the paving. Two weeks later Councillor Muller reported another incident where the water at a nearby property was also stolen.
“They were very kind to cover the meter with roof tiles. We found the spade in our yard, probably on their way to steal ours. On that note, our pipe has not yet been repaired. We still do not have water in the basins in the bathroom,” Muller wrote in his email to metro officials.
Although Muller acknowledged that the stolen water pipes were eventually replaced, as at Wednesday, February 14, he also claimed that it had been four weeks since his office water meter was stolen; “… and to make it worse, the water has been running, wasting for four weeks. We need to bring along bottles of water every day to the office in order to use the toilet, wash hands, etc.
“I wonder how you would feel if you open a tap and it is dry, nothing! This is after weeks of begging for a replacement meter, and I am not even going to refer to the litres of water being wasted daily, maybe because the officials think that if the dams are full they don’t need to worry,” Muller wrote.
Responding to the allegations, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications and Media Management Officer, Mthubanzi Mniki, said, “A team will be dispatched to look into the problem by the end of this week (Friday, February 23).”
On Monday, February 26, Muller confirmed that a team from NMBM had been despatched to his office.
“Although water was restored, the water meter was not. So now anyone can have free access to that water without it being accounted for. We as councillors must set the example. How can I have an office with no water meter? This is why our water losses are so high and the municipality doesn’t know why, as they cannot account for the usage,” Muller said.
PE Express has received numerous complaints about water meters and bad installations in the bay. One New Brighton resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she was tired of the bad smell the running water was causing in her neighbourhood.
“There’s running water up the road, what a waste! But even more frustrating is the odour in the air when the water finally settles where there is a lot of rubbish and dumping. It sits there and releases a really bad smell, I don’t even let my children play outside anymore, out of fear that they may get sick.”
“Refer me to the residents who are affected so that we can understand clearly what they are talking about,” said Mniki in response to these claims.
During an information session in April 2023, PE Express reported that the metro’s director of Water Distribution, Joseph Tsatsire, took it upon himself to explain exactly how the repairs of water leaks work, and the responsibility of residents when it comes to fixing leaks, as some might not be aware of the correct process.
According to Tsatsire, when it comes to water leaks and water meters, the responsibility of the municipality ends at the boundary of a property as you enter the yard.
He explained that a water meter is usually located in the left or right corner of the property and there, at the meter itself, is where the municipality’s responsibility ends.
“Taking it from the meter into the yard, that is the responsibility of the consumer. The only exceptions are those residents that are registered with the Assistance to the Poor (ATTP) programme in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Obviously, the indigent policy of the municipality is to assist everyone that has a leak within the property (for ATTP consumers),” he said.
ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR (ATTP) WATER USERS:
ATTP households are entitled to free basic services. Water leaks are repaired free of charge, as part of the ATTP Leak Repair Programme.
- If you are a poor household and the total income of ALL occupants on your property does not exceed R3 560 per month, the account holder/owner may qualify to become an ATTP consumer.
- To apply to become an ATTP beneficiary, please visit your nearest NMBM Customer Care Centre.
- Once you are registered as an ATTP beneficiary and you report a water leak on your property, the municipality will assist by fixing the leak free of charge.
How can I report a water-related
complaint?
All water-related complaints must be reported to the toll-free number 0800 205050, which operates 24/7. A reference number will be issued. Complaints can also be e-mailed to waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za.
How do I contact Water Services?
24/7 Call Centre on tel 0800 20 5050
Who is responsible for fixing water
leaks on private property?
The municipality maintains and repairs the water mains up to the water meter.
The area from the meter to the taps is the responsibility of the owner or tenant, depending on the lease agreement.
If you have a leak on your property, contact a private plumbing contractor to make the necessary repairs. It is in your own interest to have a leak repaired immediately, as you will be charged at a higher rate as your consumption increases.
If there is a burst pipe or leak on a roadway or pavement, report it to the municipality’s Water Services.
It is illegal for a consumer or private contractor to tamper with a water meter. Water Services: 24/7 Call Centre – 0800 20 5050 or waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za
