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Metro warns Moreleta Park informal dwellers over hydrant usage
The Tshwane metro has issued a warning to residents residing behind Plastic View regarding the use of a fire hydrant on Brabham Street. Failure to comply may result in a penalty not exceeding R20,000 as stated by the metro.
Concerns have arisen as a truck is observed filling water at the hydrant to cater to informal settlers at Plastic View, with some individuals also utilizing the hydrant for laundry purposes.
The property known as the “White House” in Moreleta Park has also made attempts to prevent the use of the hydrant.
The fire hydrant in question is situated at the top of Brabham Street, east of Pretoria near Plastic View. Despite warnings from the metro that only authorized engineers may access the hydrant, informal settlement residents persist in its use.
Representing the “White House” property owners, Deirdre van Helsdingen has expressed a commitment to protecting and securing the area.
Van Helsdingen highlighted community discontent with a truck collecting water for the Plastic View informal settlement, with residents of Meadow Glen Estate and the ‘White House’ property owners expressing frustration. She emphasized repeated warnings to relocate the water point.
The unauthorized use of the water point has attracted Plastic View residents to the area for water collection and laundry activities, further impacting the Moreleta Spruit.
In accordance with municipal by-laws, interference with water supply services is prohibited.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the fire hydrant will be secured and limited to authorized personnel only. Any continued abuse or unauthorized usage will be investigated by the police.
“Fire hydrants are designated for firefighting purposes, and the city has allocated certain hydrants as draw points for basic water supply to informal settlements in line with Section 27 of the Constitution of South Africa.”
Mashigo reiterated that the fire hydrant at the top of Brabham Street is designated for water collection by authorized personnel only. The city is actively investigating and addressing any abuses by Plastic View residents.
Plastic View receives rudimentary water through a daily supply of 10,000 litres via a mobile water tanker. Additionally, the city is progressing with the development of Pretorious Park Ext 40 to offer alternative housing for Plastic View residents as mandated by court order.
For further information on this matter, please contact us via email at [email protected] or reach us by phone at 083 625 4114.
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