City of Tshwane warns of penalties against residents not adhering to water usage instructions

CAPE TOWN - The City of Tshwane has warned residents of harsh penalties for reckless water usage amid water woes in the metro. 

On Sunday, the capital pleaded with residents to urgently reduce water use, citing soaring demand that may threaten supply during the coming summer months. 

Water levels in the city's reservoirs are dropping rapidly, with Tshwane drawing around 800 million litres of water per day from Rand Water - 18% more than its licenced limit.

City spokesperson Selby Bokaba said that despite the enforcement of water supply by-laws, some residents continued to flout regulations and use water recklessly. 

"The city urges all residents to make a concerted effort in decreasing the water usage by adhering to the water restrictions. Punitive measures will be imposed against transgressors."