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The number of water meters replaced, due to theft, has decreased from 2676 for the period of July 2021 to May 2022, to 2255 water meters when compared to the same period this past year,

Between July 2022 to May 2023, Ottery, Kensington, Lentegeur, Westridge, Wynberg, Lotus River, Portland, Milnerton, Tafelsig and Glenhaven have been the top 10 areas affected by theft of water meters.

For context, the total water meter population is 683 306. 

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The City is no longer installing brass water meters and is only installing plastic water meters due to the scrap value of the brass water meters.

As part of the City's proactive meter replacement plan, the Water and Sanitation Directorate is replacing water meters in various areas across the city based on functionality and the ageing of meters. See: https://bit.ly/3VFtwMW

This plan would progressively address the replacement of metal meters as they are some of the oldest meters installed. Brass meters are also routinely replaced as part of the reactive service request process. It's important to keep in mind that the City needs to ensure its water meters as capitalised assets are used effectively. 

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Residents can also help the City tackle vandalism and theft of water and sanitation infrastructure, such as water meters, by reporting information about such incidents.  

'The City cannot condone the theft of critical infrastructure. We ask residents to please be vigilant and to report these incidents so it can be investigated to clamp down on this reckless, inconsiderate behaviour that has a knock-on effect on residents. Stealing a water meter from a property causes major inconvenience for the affected household as they have no water supply until their meter is replaced. When such incidents occur, the City makes every effort to replace these reported stolen meters in the shortest timeframe. Also, the money spent on replacing the meters could have been used elsewhere.

'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,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Report theft/vandalism to be eligible for a reward

Various City efforts are under way to help address theft and vandalism and its impact. This includes offering a reward up to R5 000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspected manhole cover thief or recovery of City property.

Provide information on the whereabouts of stolen property or a suspected offender, by calling 0800 11 00 77.

If your confidential information leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property by the City's Law Enforcement or Metro Police, you can get a reward of up to R5 000.

What residents need to know:

• If a water meter is stolen, it should be reported immediately to one of the channels listed below to arrange for a replacement:
• WhatsApp 060 018 1505
• Online www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
• Email water@capetown.gov.za
• SMS 31373 (maximum 160 characters. Standard rates apply)
• Call 0860 103 089
• Visit a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you)
  
   
• The City should visit the property for an inspection within 24 hours, and if the meter is confirmed as needing replacement, this should be done within a further 24 hours in most cases.
  
   

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