Four dry weeks for Benonians
Several outlying areas in Benoni have suffered from a sporadic water supply for the past four weeks.
Alison Bouic, from Benoni Small Farms, said the water pressure is pathetic at times.
“Between 8.30am and 4.30pm, the water was completely off every day for the past few weeks,” she added.
“It’s a huge problem, we have to fill up bottles before the water goes off every day and we never received notice from the metro.”
On September 4, Vera Hodgson, a Benoni Small Farms resident, said the water pressure had improved over the past few days, but was still not perfect.
“We can’t even wash now, because the water trickles slowly into the washing machine, extending the washing cycle and using more electricity,” she said.
“There’s no pressure in the mornings, then people are forced to shower at their neighbours’ houses, or to go to boreholes to get water for the animals.”
Clr Stefanie Kruger (Ward 24) said the areas of Brentwood Park, Benoni AH, Rynfield AH, Benoni Small Farms and Fairleads were all victims of the sporadic water supply.
“The infrastructure in these areas is old, but new developments are often approved without the pipes being upgraded,” she explained.
“Additionally, there are issues with the pumping station; the back-up pump doesn’t kick in during load shedding, which means the tanks aren’t kept full and water pressure drops.
“An investigation should be launched into the Water Department in Benoni.”
According to Clr Andre du Plessis (Ward 23), the problem has existed for about five years now.
He has reported the matter to the Water Department and the department head, and has now started a petition with more than 200 signatures, to be taken to council.
The Village Walk Retirement Estate, in Brentwood Park, has suffered similar water supply problems.
“I left a beautiful home, where there was always water, to come live here, because I am old, then we have this happening,” said Helena Watson.
“You can’t flush the toilet, you can’t shower; you put on soap, then suddenly there’s no water and you’re full of suds,” said Julie Reed.
“We’d prefer to know when it’s going off and for how long, so we can plan around it a bit.”
The estate has a small medical section for the residents, which suffers without water.
“The people are fed-up with this nonsense; we’re dealing with a hospital, where there are very ill people, and now they have to sit without water,” said Phillip Nel, Village Walk chairman.
No comment had been received from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality at the time of going to print.
