THE Constitutional Court yesterday ruled that prepaid water meters in Johannesburg are not illegal, as claimed by residents of Phiri, Soweto.

THE Constitutional Court yesterday ruled that prepaid water meters in Johannesburg are not illegal, as claimed by residents of Phiri, Soweto.

The judgment brings to an end a six-year legal battle between the two parties. A group of Phiri residents had challenged the installation of the meters, saying they were not covered by the city by-laws.

The programme, Operation Gcin'amanzi, was introduced in Phiri to give residents access to free water from the city.

It was also to enable them to manage their water consumption so as to reduce the money they spent on this resource monthly.

The court ruled that the Constitution makes provision for progressive realisation of access to water.

At least 80 percent of the residents had accepted the meters and were happy with them. - Sowetan Reporter