Sep 45 min read

PROJECT: THE WATER MAFIA

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South Africa is a mafia state, where criminal syndicates dismantle the infrastructure for financial gain.

They threaten and extort vast amounts of money for their personal enrichment.

SSS has also highlighted the emergence of water mafias in the past and their impact on South Africa's water crises:

https://mikebh.link/H2o6Hl

Our country's severe water crisis is also battling criminal gangs that exploit the situation by hijacking municipal water supplies. According to recent observations, organised crime focuses on this vital resource and turns it into a lucrative commodity.

Across the country, criminal groups are intentionally damaging the municipal water infrastructure by sabotaging pipes and pumps to create artificial shortages.
This deliberate damage forces communities to rely on criminals, who sell water at inflated prices - sometimes up to 15 times the municipal rate.
Drivers of unmarked water trucks admit to selling 5,000 litres of water for R500, a stark contrast to the minimal cost of municipal water.
When municipal supplies are disrupted, the government's policy of providing 6,000 litres of free water per month to needy households becomes irrelevant.
This leaves even the most vulnerable residents at the mercy of the water mafias, leading to widespread suspicion that some local officials may be colluding with the criminals.
These criminal operations are expanding exponentially.
Reports from KwaZulu-Natal, East London, Mpumalanga, and Tshwane indicate a growing pattern of gangs deliberately damaging infrastructure to capitalise on water shortages.
In terms of financial impact, the water mafias' practices are highly profitable.
Filling a 5,000-liter tank can cost between R600 and R800, compared to municipal prices of R40 to R120.
A 28,000-liter tanker can generate over R1 million in sales within a few days.

EXAMPLES:

In Kgetlengrivier in the North West, residents became so frustrated with their circumstances and the inefficiencies of the authorities that they were initially successful in taking control of their water and sewage systems.
- However, this control was reversed, leading to renewed water shortages and sewage problems.
- The local residents are now fighting in the Supreme Court of Appeal to regain control as municipal services continue to deteriorate.
In the Free State, particularly in Ficksburg, residents are experiencing a lack of water owing to what is claimed to be a drought, but frequent water shutoffs suggest underlying issues with municipal management.

Complaints about inconsistent water supply and reliance on tankers for daily needs highlight the exploitation by private water suppliers who fill the gaps left by municipal failures.
The broader issue of water theft and infrastructure vandalism was flagged by the Department of Water and Sanitation as early as 2020, with problems worsening in subsequent years.
According to the Blue Drop Report, nearly 50% of the country's water supply is lost to leaks, illegal connections, and billing issues.
This is a significant increase from 37% in 2014.
The water crisis is far-reaching and even impacts businesses listed on the JSE Top 100.
The combination of scarce rainfall, poor governance, and infrastructure neglect has created a perfect storm for exploitation by the water mafias, who turn a critical resource into a source of profit and exacerbate the country's already dire water situation.

Identifying water mafias, which are involved in illegal activities related to water supply, can be challenging but crucial, and it is each citizen's responsibility.

Look for unmarked or private water trucks operating in your area. Legitimate water suppliers usually have clearly marked vehicles and the correct documentation.
Be wary of exorbitant prices for water delivery.
- Do not buy the water if the cost significantly exceeds the municipal rate or standard market prices.
Report signs of vandalism or damage to municipal water infrastructure, such as broken pipes, damaged pumps, or illegal connections.
Persistent and unexplained water outages in certain areas may signify deliberate sabotage.
Report suspicious behaviour anonymously to local authorities or through dedicated hotlines.
Verify the credentials of water suppliers.
- Legitimate suppliers should have appropriate licenses and documentation.
- Suppliers may be operating illegally if they cannot provide this information.
Be wary of suppliers that follow irregular or erratic delivery schedules, as this could indicate unlawful practices.
Check for discrepancies in water bills or usage reports.
- Unusual patterns may indicate tampering or illegal diversion of water.
- Poor water quality or contamination may indicate unauthorised water sourcing or handling.

It is critical that citizens remain accountable and not buy from these criminals.

Crime begets crime and the impact of one crime will always have consequences.

Contact the authorities when you have information regarding criminal activities.

If you are afraid of retaliation,

contact Mr Mike Bolhuis personally.

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