RLM clamps down on unlawful water users 

Rustenburg – Following the initial water restrictions implemented by the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) on 15 October, the municipality has upped the ante on the unlawful water usage by both businesses and residents. 

After the recent rainfall, the system has not stabilised and records available to the RLM still indicated excessive water consumption.

The RLM advised residents and businesses to use water sparingly and to desist from watering gardens, cleaning and filling of swimming pools with water as well as washing cars with hosepipes as this causes further stress to the supply system.

RLM accordingly launched operation Tshela Thupa, which aims to specifically address unlawful water usage, in line with the city’s by-laws. The operation is led by RLM’s water unit and public safety as a law enforcement arm, which issues fines ranging between R2,500 and R15,000.

In Tlhabane, a water meter and electricity meter were confiscated after it was discovered that a car wash business was still in operation, when the municipality had issued a warning for the operation to cease. Due to the nature of the operation, neighbouring properties, could not access water, owing to the low water pressure caused by excessive water usage.  

Two property owners in Tlhabane West were also charged with unlawful water usage. In Geelhoutpark, a carwash business was found to be in operation, the owner received a fine and the water meter was confiscated. 

In the Rustenburg central business district (CBD), three carwash owners were slapped with a R15,000 fine each, for irregular water usage and the water meters at these premises were removed by the water unit.