For the last two weeks, Durban North residents have been experiencing low water pressure and dry taps following a recent burst pipe on uMhlanga Rocks Drive.
Residents reported that the constant low pressure has been an ongoing issue for over a decade, attributing it to the uMhlanga Rocks Drive relay requiring reticulation.
A burst pipe occurred on Tuesday, 12 November, between uMhlanga Rocks Drive and the corner of Hypathia Road, resulting in excess water flowing down the road. Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer reported the incident and escalated the issue to the eThekwini Municipality.
Ward 110 councillor Ritesh Rampersad and a volunteer kept residents informed about the situation through the ward 110 residential group, as the affected road links both wards. Rampersad praised the eThekwini Water Services (EWS) for their prompt response to the issue. Rampersad said, “The water department responds promptly and efficiently to all of our reports. They actually monitor their community reporting apps and send relevant teams to resolve queries and reports as received. When the department liaison updates us of general water-related issues, which may be encountered or which may affect the community, we in turn share information to the community on the service delivery groups.”
On Thursday, 14 November, Rampersad reported low water pressure in the Effingham Reservoir, which could affect residents in wards 36, 110, and 34. However, he confirmed that this issue was unrelated to the initial burst pipe.
Rampersad explained that a recent burst on Avoca Road, caused by an old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe, was a separate issue. “A water department official explained that this was seemingly a demand against supply problem,” Rampersad added.
eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana confirmed that the burst pipe on the corner of Hypathia Road and 131 uMhlanga Rocks Drive; and the Effingham Reservoir shortage were two separate events. She said, “The burst pipe on uMhlanga Rocks Drive was on the outlet of Virginia Reservoir. This followed due process and a plumber was timeously dispatched. The repairs were completed and water was restored.”
Sisilana stated that the pipe burst was received and acknowledged by the City’s call centre, and the control room dispatched the relevant plumbers to repair the pipe.
Sisilana concluded, “The operations department is fully aware of the continuous bursts on the aged AC pipeline. Projects have already been initiated to our Project Initiation Committee for the uMhlanga Rocks Drive relay.”
