The City has teams conducting surveys in Beacon Valley, but residents have been asked to be alert when the surveyors come knocking.
This month 35 expanded public works programme (EPWP) workers have been tasked with going door-to-door to ask questions about water use and to advise on water-saving tips. But recently there have been complaints about two men pretending to working with the team.
Ward councillor Solomon Philander, who is also chairman of Sub-council 12, said the programme seeks to empower residents on how to manage their water use and how to report water services to the City of Cape Town.
Mr Philander asks that, before any engagement, residents look out for clear identification of the team member approaching their door.
“The team working on the water team are clearly dressed in orange with an EPWP bib on,” he said.
“As a city we are mainly dependent on rain water, however due to the drought, the City was forced to use new water resources to reduce our reliance on rain water.
“This includes ground water from aquifers, spring water, desalination of sea water and recycling water. As a City we maintain good quality water to your taps as per national quality standard (SANS241),” he said.
Mr Philander appealed to the community to use water wisely, prevent pollution, sewer blockages, adhere to laws and by-laws and report water problems immediately to prevent clean water from running to waste.
He said the survey was critical.
“We have many account holders with high water bills of long outstanding payments. Other bills are high due to leaks on the properties.
“It is important that account holders manage their municipal account and access the indigent benefits for qualifying households,” he said.
The outcome of the survey will give the City a better understanding of the needs of households in Mitchell’s Plain and how water resources could be used wisely.
Surveyors will be on the streets of Beacon Valley for 10 weeks, having started their work last Tuesday, March 1.
They work from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.