The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) has reported that 346 customers have come forward during the first week of its Amnesty Programme, resulting in nearly M1 million in accumulated penalties being written off.
In a statement issued this week, WASCO said that within the first seven days of the programme, which began on July 1 and runs until October 31, 2026, customers had taken advantage of the opportunity to regularise their accounts.
“Within the first Seven days (7) of the programme, 346 customers have come forward to regularise their accounts and take advantage of the amnesty initiative. During this period, WASCO has pardoned M992,346.95 in accumulated penalties, and M30,000.00 relating to illegal water connections has also been pardoned in accordance with the programme guidelines,” the statement read.
The utility described the response as encouraging and said it demonstrated that many customers were embracing the chance to resolve outstanding issues without fear of legal consequences.
The Amnesty Programme, first announced in June, offers a once-off opportunity for customers with outstanding debts to regularise their accounts and for those who made illegal water connections on or before March 2026 to legalise their connections without facing prosecution.
“WASCO wishes to remind the public that no legal action will be taken against customers or individuals who voluntarily come forward during the amnesty period, provided they comply with the terms and conditions of the programme. This is a once-off opportunity designed to encourage compliance, restore customer confidence, and strengthen partnerships between WASCO and the communities it serves,” the statement added.
WASCO Credit Control Manager Tselane Mohapi previously said the programme was intended to provide customers with a “fair opportunity to rectify past irregularities while strengthening the sustainability and integrity of water service delivery”.
The utility has consistently raised concerns about illegal connections, which it says remain a major hurdle in providing uninterrupted water supply. Vandalism and water theft have led to significant revenue losses, with the company reporting approximately M1.5 million spent each month since November 2019 on maintenance along the Metolong Downstream Conveyance System.
The company has appealed to all eligible customers and members of the public who have not yet participated to visit their nearest WASCO office before October 31, 2026.
“By participating in the Amnesty Programme, customers will have an opportunity to start afresh, regularise their water services, and contribute towards a sustainable and reliable water supply system for all Basotho,” WASCO said.
Strict enforcement measures against illegal connections and unpaid accounts are set to commence after the amnesty period concludes.
Summary
- In a statement issued this week, WASCO said that within the first seven days of the programme, which began on July 1 and runs until October 31, 2026, customers had taken advantage of the opportunity to regularise their accounts.
- The Amnesty Programme, first announced in June, offers a once-off opportunity for customers with outstanding debts to regularise their accounts and for those who made illegal water connections on or before March 2026 to legalise their connections without facing prosecution.
- “WASCO wishes to remind the public that no legal action will be taken against customers or individuals who voluntarily come forward during the amnesty period, provided they comply with the terms and conditions of the programme.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
