City officials have intensified enforcement against illegal service connections as part of efforts to improve safety and compliance in Tshwane. Picture Credits: City of Tshwane
By Thulane Madalane
Tshwane – The City of Tshwane has intensified its crackdown on illegal electricity and water connections, warning that building owners found to be non-compliant now face penalties of up to R300,000.
City officials, led by the Bad Buildings Division, recently conducted a joint inspection of a privately owned residential building in Sunnyside, Pretoria. The operation was carried out with the support of Tshwane Metro Police and officials from the city’s Human Settlements, Electricity, and Water departments.
The inspection focused on a 17-storey building known as Spruitsigpark. Upon arrival, officials were met with a strong foul smell and visible water leakage from the structure, raising immediate concerns about possible illegal service connections and poor maintenance.
Chairperson of the committee, Kholofelo Morodi, said the visit was prompted by concerns around unpaid municipal accounts and suspected illegal connections.
“We are concerned about their accounts, their rates and taxes, the water; we already suspect that they have bridged the water and their electricity,” Morodi said.
Officials explained that illegal electricity connections and water bridging not only result in financial losses for the municipality but also pose serious safety risks to occupants and surrounding properties.
As the building is privately owned, inspectors initially assessed the exterior while awaiting access to individual units to determine the full extent of the suspected violations. Further investigations are expected once access is granted.
The City of Tshwane said the enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts to address unsafe living conditions, recover lost revenue, and restore lawful service provision. Authorities have warned that similar inspections will continue across the city, with non-compliant property owners facing heavy fines and possible legal action.
