Water was finally restored to Schotsche Kloof flats after many residents had gone without it for more than a month.
The City of Cape Town switched on the water on Saturday, June 20, about three days after the Schotsche Kloof Body Corporate met with Ward 77 councillor Francine Higham and mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien.
The sectional title scheme's water was either switched off or on trickle since the beginning of May ("Bo-Kaap residents face ongoing water crisis amid debt disputes", Atlantic Sun, Friday, June 12).
The restrictions stem from accumulated arrears, with the municipality noting that the body corporate's debt reached R17 million ("Schotsche Kloof residents protest against water injustices", Atlantic Sun, June 15).
According to the Body Corporate, the water debt is a result of historical injustices.
The 191 flats, including 16 blocks spread across various streets in Bo-Kaap, built in the 1950s, were sold voetstoots to the original occupants, when they became privately owned, in 1999.
"The sale of the flats voetstoots is the injustice that has primarily led to the water bill crisis.
"No compliance certificates, including individual water meters, were installed.
"This has led to bulk water metering still being in place, which is the main driver behind the huge outstanding water bill," read their reply.
The current monthly water bill is R170 000.
The City said that water supply continued to the Schotsche Kloof sectional title scheme, and that no one would be without water.
"The City has installed standpipes in close proximity to fire hydrants and residential units to ensure each block has access to water," read their reply.
They confirmed that water supply was restricted to bulk water meters in phases, with blocks being disconnected on Thursday, May 14, Saturday, June 4, a week later, and the final blocks being disconnected on Wednesday, June 17.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, the body corporate paid R40 000 towards the outstanding debt.
In a WhatsApp message from trustees to residents, they said that the meeting was arranged with the support of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association (BKCRA).
"We need to look at how we can cover this bill. This water bill amount can be further reduced if all residents who qualify for rebates actually register and are also more water-wise and not wasting water," read the message.
The body corporate is now urging owners to take proactive steps to ensure financial sustainability regarding payment arrangements.
Residents who qualify for rebates are urged to register for indigent grants and property rate rebates to help reduce the monthly financial burden.
The body corporate has also called for quotes for individual water meter installations.
Block representatives are being appointed to streamline communication and maintenance reporting. Residents have also been advised to practice water-wise habits.
The body corporate remains focused on securing a long-term agreement with the City ahead of the upcoming annual general meeting on Tuesday, July 7.
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