Water bursts and leaks have become a common sight in Overport and surrounding areas. Councillors are becoming irate as they get the full brunt from outraged communities.
Councillors Ernest Smith, Hassan Haniff and Charmaine Clayton voiced their dissatisfaction with the municipalities as they believe the quality work is not maintained when repairing faults. “As ward councillors and representatives of the wards we live, we find ourselves in the hot seat with residents despite us continuously communicating to council,” said Smith.
He said in the last month Asherville, Clare Hills, Clare Estate and Lower Kennedy Road in Springfield had eight burst pipes in nine days. Some along the same water line. Smith said: “Surrounding areas such as Morningside, Sydenham, Overport and Sparks have not been spared as water issues have affected residents across the metro with the water department keeping mum (quiet) on the issue when engaged with residents.” He said in November last year the councillors put through an urgent motion to Council that was to mandate the Water Department to investigate the severity of the water issues facing the metro itself, and create an action plan to ensure residents have water. “Unfortunately this was voted down by the ANC as they did not see the need to support such a request” said Smith.
Hassan Haniff said: “The water department needs to put their priorities in order and sort out the continuous water bursts. This is totally unacceptable. I cannot be spending a lot of my time at bursts sites to ensure that plumbers are doing their work properly and not delaying until shift change.”
Charmaine Clayton said: “It is a shame and a disgrace to explain what happens almost on a daily basis in our Wards. Ward 31, 25 and 27 are in close proximity, so this affects all of us. It’s become the norm to hear the angry voices of the community.”
Hlengiwe Dlamini, resident of Morningside said: “Councillor Smith is helping the residents but the municipality isn’t. We can’t bath, flush the toilet or do anything. If I have any problem the councillors are there to help. Smith is the first person I call. He has been instrumental in helping with water, dumping or any other issues.”
Raj Mohanlall, from Morningside said the municipality often sends plumbers who are not qualified. “They sit around and work very slow. Sometimes it takes three days to fix a leak and then another day to fill the hole. People can’t walk on the pavement and the community takes out their frustration on the councillors.”
Mohanlall said: “Personally I have no issues with the councillors. They even come to sites and push the plumbers to get the job done but sometimes their hands are tied.”
EThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said: “Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. The cause of this will be investigated. Water pipe bursts can be caused by a number of factors. They are sometimes caused by continuous rainfall that may cause soil to be loose thereby making pipes move. We also have cases where temperature, corrosion and high-water pressure in the pipes can cause bursts, encroachment by tree roots and soil erosion can cause pipes to lose positions. We apologise to residents for the inconvenience. Our plumbers will be dispatched to attend to the matter.”
