The proliferation of so-called ‘problem buildings’ in Kenville and Sea Cow Lake is contributing to ongoing water losses, illegal electricity connections, and deteriorating service delivery in the area, according to the Kenville and Sea Cow Lake Ratepayers Association.

Chairperson, Anil Beekrum, said residents are increasingly frustrated by persistent water leaks and suspected illegal utility connections linked to abandoned properties that have become occupied by unknown tenants.

Beekrum alleged that many of the affected properties are operating outside municipal regulations, with some being used for unlicensed businesses, scrapyards and shebeens.

“The major issue is the illegal connections which are creating a problem of water leaks that are not being fixed in Sea Cow Lake and Kenville. When we report these leaks, the municipality often tells us they are on private property and therefore cannot be repaired by the city,” he said.

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According to Beekrum, some of the properties have long been abandoned by their owners, making it difficult to hold anyone accountable for repairs or maintenance.

“We can’t get hold of the owners of these houses and we don’t know the status of many of the people living there. If water is leaking, they are not interested because they are not paying for it. Thousands of litres of water are being wasted every day,” he said.

Beekrum believes the losses contribute to rising municipal costs that are ultimately borne by law-abiding residents.

In response, eThekwini Municipality’s marketing and communications director, Mandla Nsele, acknowledged that water theft remains a challenge within the broader Effingham Reservoir supply zone.

“The municipality is aware of ongoing water theft in the entire Effingham reservoir zone, which often impacts supply security to other consumers. This is mainly attributed to informal dwellings within this supply zone,” said Nsele.

He added that problem buildings fall under the jurisdiction of the City’s Building Inspectorate Directorate, while a dedicated illegal disconnection team is tasked with removing unauthorised utility connections when identified.

“When illegal water or electricity connections are suspected, the municipality investigates the matter and may implement enforcement measures, including the disconnection of illegal connections and the issuing of fines in accordance with applicable by-laws and regulations,” he said.

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Nsele further revealed that the city’s Non-Revenue Water initiatives, including its forced leaks programme aimed at reducing water losses, are expected to resume during the 2026/ 27 financial year.

He reminded property owners that leaks located on private property remain their responsibility.

Residents are now calling for stronger enforcement measures and greater oversight of neglected properties, warning that continued inaction could further strain water and electricity infrastructure in the area.