A serious water leakage in Bankford, Sunford, Phoenix has caused major damages to several properties in the area. While residents are urged to preserve water, two Phoenix residents have had constant water seepage through both their properties since last year. The affected residents are accusing the municipality of dragging its feet in resolving the issue.
Frustrated resident, Mrs Habib said that she contacted eThekwini Municipality several times in an effort to get officials to attend to the problem. “When the municipal contractors came to check on the problem, they informed me that it was spring water and left. The water seepage has become worse and is now causing damage to my walls, paving and tiles. The existing problem was exacerbated last week, when the fibre company, Vumatel, dug a trench outside my property which immediately filled up with water due to the underground leak.”
Habib said that she had asked the fibre company workers not to dig outside her property because of the ongoing water leakage. “They ignored my request, dug a trench and still installed fibre cables in a water logged hole. This can result in an accident or fatality and can even cause more disruption of essential services in my neighbourhood,” added Habib.
Another resident, Robin Naidoo who has also been affected by the same water issue said: “We have a substantial amount of water seeping into mine and my neighbour’s yards. This is a problem spanning over six to seven months. We had about 25 different contractors sent by the municipality and all they do is have a look at it and leave. There hasn’t been any follow up regarding the issue.”
“I have even had the storm water and leak detectors to try and figure out what the problem is but no one could assist us. The matter was also referred to the ward councillor who lives nearby, by my neighbour, Mrs Habib, and he has yet to come and look at the damage. All our tiles are coming off the walls and the dampness is probably going to cause a sinkhole. The huge water loss is a direct result of a lack of maintenance and everyone passing the buck,” added Naidoo.
Comment from the ward councillor, eThekwini Municipality and Vumatel was not forthcoming at the time of going to print.
