PEOPLE found to be illegally connecting to the City’s water supply will be heavily penalised, Johannesburg Water has warned. According to the utility’s marketing and communication manager, Millicent Kabwe, individuals will pay a penalty for any form of tampering with the company’s water supply system.

“Customers identified to have by-passed water meters will be served with notices and [will be] expected to report to any of the city’s People Centres close to them within seven days from the date on which the notice was issued,” says Kabwe.

They will have to fork out a fee of R1 515,31 for a meter that is still in working condition and R3 053,67 for a meter that is not working. Individuals who receive these notices but who fail to respond within seven days will have the illegal water supply terminated.

“If a customer chooses to have the supply restored, a reconnection charge of R3 055,67 will have to be paid prior to the restoration of water supply,” Kabwe explains.

Joburg metro police, working in collaboration with Joburg Water, will prosecute repeat offenders. Residents are encouraged to report illegal connections by calling Joburg Connect on 0860 JOBURG, or 0860 56 28 74.

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