A forensic investigation is under way into a R50-million project to manage the flow of water piped to residents of Cape Town.
The City has, since 2007, installed 41000 flow-restricting water meters – supplied by three different companies – outside residents’ homes. They are programmed to dispense a pre-agreed amount of water a day. The amount can be set to only the free 6kl (200l a day) or higher.
Tenders worth over R50-million were awarded to the three companies and other firms responsible for installing them. The meters form part of a broader 10-year water-saving and management strategy costing about R750-million.
The audit follows a letter by the SA Municipal Workers’ Union to former mayor Helen Zille, now premier of the Western Cape, in April 2009. The union alleged that administrative malpractices may have been involved in the awarding of contracts. Mashoko said the city ultimately wanted the devices installed in all households. “The main reasons for this are the dire need to reduce water losses and support the poor who cannot afford to pay for services.
“Because the initial focus is on the ‘pro-poor’ initiative of the city, all indigent households – with a property value of under R88000 – are being addressed, while, in a parallel process, all new households and developments, as well as meter replacements, (will see) these devices installed,” he said.
by Shanaaz Eggington
