With water continuously leaking in front of their property and down Second Avenue, the Calaça family is at its wit’s end.
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For close to three years water leaks have plagued the family’s neighbourhood resulting in litres of water being wasted and vehicles damaged.
According to Ernie Calaça, the problem started in mid-2020 when a leak sprouted near his neighbour’s property.
“The municipality eventually came out to repair the leak but two weeks later there was another leak in the same spot.”
Ernie said after the leaks continued, a hole was dug in the road so a clamp could be placed on the pipe. This is when potable water started leaking in front of his property last September.
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Ernie calculated that approximately half a litre of water was leaking from the pipe every minute. The family believes that the volume has increased as more leaks have sprung up.
The family has since reported the matter multiple times and have received messages from the municipality informing them that the matter has been resolved.
At the site, two large holes could be seen on the pavement on either side of Second Avenue as well as one where the pipe was repaired.
A steady stream of water could be seen flowing down the avenue towards Denver Park.
According to what Ernie was told, the holes were left open so that a pipe could be replaced across Second Avenue.
Ernie said nothing has been done to address the issue.
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Seeking assistance, Ernie visited the city’s Roads and Stormwater Department depot in Eastleigh.
“I was told by a staff member that the contractor was not paid and they’re not prepared to finish the job,” said Calaça.
“Consider the amount of money wasted.”
Cindy, Ernie’s wife, said reporting the matter has been extremely frustrating
She said on multiple occasions the address was logged incorrectly.
“After logging the problem, I would get a message informing us that the matter is resolved. I get home with the hope that it has been fixed but the mess remains,” said Cindy.
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Calaça said because of the leak, a hole started forming on the road.
He said to prevent his own and other vehicles from being damaged he put rubble in the hole to try and fill it.
Ernie said the holes in the middle of the avenue and either side of it pose a risk to road users as well as pedestrians.
He said as a household that pays its rates and taxes, he feels that the city is not providing the services it should be.
“This problem would not have escalated to this point if the hole in the avenue had been tarred immediately after the clamp was installed.”
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on May 17 requesting comment the next day by 15:30.
At the time of going to print no comment was received.
