227 wasters fined

The City of Cape Town has zapped 227 mense with fines since water restrictions came into effect.

A total of 385 warnings have also been issued to people who fail to adhere to restrictions aimed at saving water in the midst of a crippling drought.

Offenders can be slapped with a spot fine of up to R5 000, escalating up to R10 000 on conviction, or possible jail time for serious and repeat offenders.

Spot fines could only be issued if the resident was caught in the act, says Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services, and Energy, Xanthea Limberg.

“We thank residents and businesses who are doing their best to save water but we are still missing the usage target of 800 million litres a day,” Limberg said.

The City’s water inspectorate and law enforcement officers continue to perform regular water blitzes to educate residents about Level 3b restrictions and water usage. Currently, the use of hosepipes are outlawed, cars can only be washed at a carwash using grey water, and gardens may only be watered with buckets on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 9am and after 6pm.

During operations which took place in Constantia, Meadowridge, Wynberg, and Bergvliet last week, City officials instructed borehole users to stick to the watering days and times. Limberg said boreholes were not an unlimited resource, and many people have been found to water gardens outside the scheduled times.

Officials also looked for leaks or blockages at City-owned buildings and facilities.

Residents can piemp water pirates via email to [email protected] or SMS to 31373.