UMkhanyakude District Municipality conducted a targeted Revenue Enhancement Operation in Jozini Town to curb illegal connections and strengthen revenue collection.
The operation, focused on establishing a dedicated oversight team, disconnecting illegal and non-paying connections while reconnecting compliant customers.
During the inspections, the team uncovered multiple illegal connections across various commercial establishments, including cottages, salons, lodges, retail shops and medical practices, with some premises found to have water gushing uncontrollably resulting in massive water losses.
A formal payment reminder was also issued where non-compliance was detected.
The Municipality strongly condemns illegal connections as they constitute theft of a scarce resource, cause water losses, affect pressure for paying residents, and undermine sustainable service delivery.
As a corrective measure, the district management will convene a business stakeholder engagement in Jozini to emphasize water conservation, by-law compliance and the obligation to pay for municipal services.
The Municipality warns that illegal connections will be disconnected without notice and transgressors will be penalized in accordance with municipal by-laws.
