Since 2021, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has provided much-needed assistance to 1,688 registered indigent households by repairing private water leaks on their properties. This initiative helps prevent water waste and supports vulnerable residents in managing their water consumption more effectively.
Households are identified based on unexplained high water usage. Once engaged by the City, residents receive a property inspection to determine the source of leaks. Repairs are then carried out at no cost to the property owner.
‘Indigent customers receive a free water allocation of 15 000 litres (15kl) per month. Consumption above this threshold may result in water supply restrictions, making leak repairs critical for sustainable water use,’ said Councillor Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
To assist residents, the City offers a one-time leak repair benefit to qualifying households. Eligible beneficiaries are identified when registered indigent properties exceed 50,000 litres (50kl) of monthly water usage. Repairs include fixing leaking internal pipes, taps, toilets, fittings, and meter replacements, based on the specific needs of each household.
For the 2024/2025 financial year, the City has allocated R3.8 million to this programme.
Recent leak repairs have been conducted in key areas, including Nyanga, Philippi, Gugulethu, Delft, Leiden, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Tafelsig, Vrygrond, and Bonteheuwel.
‘Through this initiative, water losses are reduced and it demonstrates the importance of residents maintaining plumbing on private properties to avoid unnecessary costs. The growing uptake of the programme is encouraging and shows how aware indigent customers have become, about water-wise behaviours.
‘Regardless of the season or our dam levels, we must all continue to save water and use our resources responsibly,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
For more information and guidance on ‘Finding and Fixing Leaks,’ visit: www.capetown.gov.za/savewater.
