By Maxwell Mapungwana
Residents and businesses in Marondera who tamper with water meters now risk fines of up to US$1,094.73 as the municipality moves to curb rising cases of vandalism and illegal water consumption.
The local authority says it has noted a worrying increase in cases of meter tampering, bypassing and illegal connections across its jurisdiction.
This has prompted a stern warning to offenders.
In a public notice, Town Clerk Rinashe Nyamuzihwa said the practices are prohibited under the Municipality of Marondera By-Laws.
These protect Council-owned infrastructure and regulate municipal water supplies.
“The Municipality of Marondera has noted with concern cases of water meter bypassing, meter tampering, illegal water connections and unauthorised reconnection of water supplies within the municipal area”.
New Penalties
Under the new penalty regime, residential consumers found tampering with meters face a fine of US$398.87.
Meanwhile commercial and industrial offenders face US$1,094.73.
Illegal connections attract US$542.36 for residential properties and US$1,084.73 for commercial and industrial premises.
Illegally drawing Council water carries a flat fine of US$698.76 across all categories.
Meanwhile unauthorised reconnection of supplies attracts US$542.36 for residential and US$1,084.73 for commercial and industrial users.
Nyamuzihwa said the fines are separate from charges for unmetered water consumed and the costs of repairing or replacing damaged meters, pipes and fittings.
He warned that repeat offenders will be prosecuted at Council’s discretion.
“The Municipality will intensify inspections of water meters and connections across its jurisdiction.
“Any violations detected during these exercises will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
Council has urged consumers with defective meters to report faults for attention by authorised personnel.
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