CITY CLAMPS DOWN ON ILLEGAL UTILITY CONNECTIONS IN GERMISTON

A joint service delivery operation cracked down on illegal electricity and water connections in Germiston to, targeting residential flats with a joint outstanding municipal debt exceeding R20 million.

City officials supported by EMPD officers, removed electricity cables and circuits from non-paying and illegally connected clients as part of the by-law enforcement drive.

Officials from the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration unit were also present to monitor compliance among foreign nationals. During the operation, one Chinese national was apprehended after failing to produce documentation proving legal entry into South Africa.

Authorities said the coordinated action was aimed at curbing revenue losses, enforcing municipal by-laws, and addressing illegal utility connections that place strain on the city’s infrastructure.

The clampdown forms part of ongoing efforts by the municipality to recover outstanding debt and ensure compliance with service delivery regulations.