Midvaal municipality to crackdown on meter tampering, illegal connections

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The Midvaal local municipality says it will implement a crackdown on water and electricity meter tampering and illegal connections.

This comes after the municipality uncovered numerous instances of tampered water and electricity meters within their jurisdiction.

According to mayor Peter Teixeira, the investigations are part of the broader revenue protection strategy to reduce losses and reduce theft, and illicit or unauthorised consumption.

“This concerning issue has been detected in various areas across the municipality including Vaal Marina, Eye of Africa, Sicelo, Walkerville Fruit Farms, and several other areas. It is notable that there is no discrepancy between wards and economic sectors for this transgression.

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MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY TO IMPLEMENT CRACKDOWN ON WATER AND ELECTRICITY METER TAMPERING AND ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR:
Yours in Service Excellence, Ald. Peter Teixeira#PeoplesMayor pic.twitter.com/Lfy0xJU0dT

— Midvaal Local Municipality (@MidvaalLM) March 20, 2024

“The municipality will diligently continue with these investigations and if any parties are found guilty of tampering with their water and electricity meters, severe fines will be imposed as well as the backdating of estimated costs which would need to be paid.

“Should the party be a repeat offender the municipality is legally authorised to disconnect such residents from municipal services,” he remarked.

The mayor encouraged those who have engaged in such activities to voluntarily approach their offices.

Midvaal to implement a robust process

He added; “We assure cooperation and a more lenient approach in comparison to the consequences of discovery through our investigations. Negotiations will be facilitated to avoid the discontinuation of power electricity and water services.

“Midvaal Municipality is dedicated to implementing a robust process to eradicate illegal connections and meter tampering.

“We will ensure sound and sustainable management of our financial affairs in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) regulations to prevent water and electricity losses and the associated financial implications.”

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Teixeira stated that they must ensure the integrity of their utility systems and uphold accountabilities for all residents within the municipality.

“We urge residents to engage with us to find a workable solution instead of bypassing their water and electricity meters,” he concluded.