Water leaks in Gugulethu Informal Settlement unsettle residents.
On Thursday July 10, an Addie journalist went out to Gugulethu Informal Settlement with Councillor Ramesh Sheodin.
On arriving, they saw at least four taps which were streaming water throughout the day and night.
Things like “every drop counts” and “save water” seem silly notions to these residents as they stand by and watch as their water is being wasted through their streets, which are already in poor condition.
Some shacks even being surrounded by this ‘flood’ of water.
This was a shocking spectacle to observe, being in a poor community and having to witness water being wasted in such unbelievably big amounts.
“The municipality cannot keep up with the repairs and replacement of the taps. As soon as they are replaced there is a rush by thieves to steal them,” said Ramesh.
He has confirmed that he sometimes digs into his own pocket to fund minor repairs.
He also said that the municipality is losing R40-million per month in unmetered water losses and that these taps contribute towards the huge loss.
“I cannot imagine what could be done with the R40-m to assist the poorest of the poor,” said Ramesh.
The Addie has sent enquiries to Ekurhuleni Metro on the matter, but had not received any comments at the time of going to print.
