Bo-Kaap Residents Take a Stand Against Water Cuts
Residents of Bo-Kaap have threatened to take protest action regarding water restrictions at the Schotsche Kloof sectional title scheme, with social media updates indicating that some households have gone days without adequate water access.
Others have reported that the issue has lasted for weeks.
In posts shared within the Bo-Kaap community Facebook group, frustrations among residents grew as they questioned why they were required to utilize alternative water sources while homes remained occupied by families, senior citizens, and children.
Recent posts threatening protests were made on June 11, with residents demanding action if water services were not restored soon.
One graphic post circulating among residents featured slogans such as “Water to Schotsche Kloof flats”, “Water is a right”, “No tours”, and “Tourists not welcome right now.”
These posts imply that residents are not only frustrated by the disruption itself but also by its effects on daily activities, including bathing, cooking, cleaning, flushing toilets, and caring for children and elderly individuals.
However, the City of Cape Town stated on June 11 that water supply to the Schotsche Kloof sectional title scheme was ongoing and assured that “no one will be left without water”.
The City explained that supply had been restricted to bulk water meters due to “unsustainable accumulating debt, non-payment, and the Body Corporate’s failure to honor payment agreements”.
According to the City, the scheme consists of 17 blocks and 191 units, with the body corporate’s overdue debt amounting to R17 million.
The average monthly bill was reported to be around R170,000, yet only R50,000 has been paid thus far in 2026.
The municipality mentioned that standpipes had been installed near fire hydrants and residential units to ensure each block maintained water access.
It emphasized that the restriction was a necessary debt management measure, while assuring that residents were not completely deprived of water access.
“Legally, the City cannot overlook this high, unsustainable, and escalating debt,” the City stated.
The City accused the body corporate of neglecting residents by failing to responsibly manage the affairs of the scheme over many years.
It noted that the body corporate had repeatedly made promises to the City but failed to adhere to payment agreements.
The City indicated it had engaged with the body corporate for over three years to prevent debt management actions.
“Like other residents with similar income levels across the metro, these individuals should be paying for the services provided,” the City added.
The City also revealed it had pursued court action to obtain a judgment to reclaim the debt and compel the body corporate to manage its affairs responsibly for the benefit of unit-holders.
Furthermore, it is now exploring additional debt recovery measures, including the possibility of appointing an administrator to oversee the body corporate’s operations and finalize a debt recovery agreement.