Tax water abusers

THE Western Cape is experiencing its worst drought, yet some residents show total disregard for water restrictions imposed by the city.

While some of us make every effort to conserve water, others seem to abuse it. As a result of the city’s imposition of water restrictions and levies, those who are compliant also have to bear the brunt of the abusers.

I am informed that the city is installing water management devices on properties of excessive water users, but at what rate?

Another issue is the use of underground water. Many labour under the misconception that it is free and unlimited.

More and more people are installing well points/boreholes to keep their gardens in pristine condition, without regard to the impact on the environment. Other than registering boreholes/well points, there seems to be no controls in place.

It makes sense for the city to implement a fee-based structure for groundwater users – fit water measuring devices and tax users according to their usage.

They enjoy these benefits at no cost – only to the detriment of everyone else who cannot afford them.

By this time one would expect turfs to be less than green – this is not evident in some well-established areas. Where are the city’s inspectors? Households are buying water by the truckful to fill their pools.

Where does this water come from?

When the bell does toll for a total shutdown of water, who will suffer the most? Definitely the elderly, indigent, our children, etc, who would have to queue for water.

An equitable solution: households who do not abuse the system, who really use well below the daily average, should have uninterrupted water supply.

Those who disrespect the life-giving resource should be shut down and stand in the queue. Why should we all suffer because of a few?