22 Jan 2026

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) is transitioning to plastic metre alternatives and intensifying partnerships with law enforcement to combat a surge in water metre theft and rising financial losses.
In an interview, WUC general manager, Mr Monametsi Ramosu said such measures aimed to curb a trend that had significantly disrupted service delivery and strained the corporation’s resources in Kanye.
Mr Ramosu said the corporation had since shifted from traditional brass metres to plastic versions during replacements.
He explained that while brass metres were frequently targeted by thieves for their scrap metal value, the move to plastic was intended to devalue the units to criminals, despite the transition adding to the corporation’s current economic challenges.
As such, he said WUC had launched joint investigations with local police.
He noted that all metres were engraved with unique serial numbers, which allowed the corporation to trace recovered units back to specific properties once they were found.
Furthermore, he said the corporation had been on high alert since November 2025, recording more than 50 cases of stolen metres in that month alone, which resulted in the financial and operational impact including replacement costs at P700 each new metre, while the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) recorded 34 per cent of produced water was currently lost to leaks, theft and vandalism.
He indicated that targeted areas included Kgwatlheng, Taukobong and Mahikana wards, as well as areas surrounding Mongala Mall.
Amidst the operationalchallenges, Mr Ramosu said WUC had resumed the Debt Amnesty Programme, with the second phase of the initiative having began in December 2025 and is scheduled to run until February 28 this year.
The programme, he said was designed to assist customers in managing arrears and it covered balances accumulated from December 2024 and earlier, as well as debts accrued throughout 2025.
He said for more recent debts, qualifying customers can arrange flexible payment plans spanning four months.
Mr Ramosu urged Kanye residents to remain vigilant and secure their metres and promptly report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
He said through continued infrastructure investment and community cooperation, WUC aimed to recover lost revenue and ensure reliable water supply for the nation. ENDS