George Municipality has announced hefty fines for consumers who contravene water restrictions in the George Municipal area.
Municipal Manager, Trevor Botha, said on Tuesday that repeat offenders could pay as much as R4 000 per offence, depending on the offence.
He also said that there could be jail time of “up to six month” for those found guilty.
“The George Municipality announced water restrictions in terms of its Drought Management Policy that came into effect when the level of the Garden Route Dam, which services the greater George area, dropped to below 60% on June 1,” Botha said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The latest dam level reading, which is taken weekly on Wednesdays, was 52.41% on June 28.”
Botha said the fines reflected the municipality’s pro-active and serious approach to water security. “We can’t sit and wait for rain that may or may not come, we must save now, so that we are not sorry later,” he said.
Contraventions of water restrictions can be reported on 044 801 6350 to which municipal law enforcement officers will respond and investigate.
Botha said that transgressors caught red-handed will be issued fines on the spot, which will be processed through the municipal court system.
A signed declaration by a witness reporting someone else watering illegally, may also lead to a fine to the offender. After three offences, jail time may apply.
To successfully prosecute offenders, and register the complaint, it is requested that complainants furnish their full details. Complainants may ask to remain anonymous.
Botha said that businesses and individuals can apply for exemptions, but he said this would only be granted “under exceptional circumstances”, as restrictions are designed to discourage the use of water for non-essential purposes.
“We remind residents and businesses making use of non-municipal water, such as boreholes and reservoirs, to clearly display an ‘OWN WATER’ sign to alert vigilant neighbours and law enforcement officers of the fact. Please note that even with the sign, law enforcement officers may ask to see the water source to verify own water claims,” he said.
“This is not a witch-hunt, but a concerted effort to save water wherever and however we can,” said Botha.
(Statement: Supplied)
