The City of Cape Town has closed a water point, on a field bordered by Rose, Turksvy, Bamboo and Varing Streets, in Lentegeur.
The point was installed years ago to help water a community garden, which fell into ruin and had been leaking ever since.
Neighbours to the tap were reluctant to speak to the Plainsman, fearing their safety, as council workers were barred by gangsters from shutting it down for several months.
Mayoral committee member for water and waste, Xanthea Limberg, said work to plug and bury the pipe was completed on Wednesday May 19.
“Maintenance work has been constrained by security concerns, with staff being warned against going on-site without law enforcement escorts,” she said.
She said law enforcement capacity was limited and was not available. Staff took the chance to address the issue without security.
Goawa Timm, Lentegeur ward councillor, said the tap had to be closed because clean water was being wasted.
A passer-by said they should not close the tap because residents needed it but Ms Timm said they should pay for water services.