Following recent protest march at the beginning of August and confusion around water supply in Masakhane, the Municipality wishes to clarify a few key points:
Firstly, there has never been an agreement that water meter restrictors would be removed for households in arrears. That was not part of the arrangement.
The agreement was that restrictors would remain in place while:
• Outstanding debts are being investigated,
• Residents apply for indigent support where applicable, and
• Proposed changes to the credit control policy are considered.
We also want to clear up misinformation spreading in Ward 2:
Water meters have not been blocked. Restrictors are fitted to allow a limited, slower trickle of water. The Finance Department may not cut off water supply completely. Residents still have access to water, although at a slower flow than those whose meters are not restricted.
Water meters have not been blocked. Restrictors are fitted to allow a limited, slower trickle of water. The Finance Department may not cut off water supply completely. Residents still have access to water, although at a slower flow than those whose meters are not restricted.
Municipal officials visited affected homes last Thursday and Friday again to investigate complaints of no water. In all cases except one, restrictors were found to be working and not blocked, and water was still flowing, though slowly.
Access to water is a basic right and hence even with restrictors in place, households receive 6 kl of water per month.
We understand that people with accounts in arrears are frustrated by the delays, but it’s important that the Municipality takes the time to make the right decisions to support affected residents.
A full report on the proposed policy changes will be presented to Council in September 2025. If approved, implementation will follow as soon as possible.
