Weak water pressure puts strain on residents

Several years after it was first sprung upon the residents of the Oakwood Complex, the sporadic water supply has become a crippling, everyday battle for the residents.

“During our fasting month it was a nightmare, we would wake up at 5am to fast, then break at 6am, but there was no water,” said Nasreem Lambat.

Minesh and Reka Soma live in Oakwood with their seven-year-old daughter.

“The water usually comes back at around 7pm, but the pressure is very weak until 9pm,” said Minesh.

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) spokesperson Themba Gadebe said a strainer was cleaned at Oakwood on September 22, after which normal operating water pressure was attained, but the residents disputed this.

“Our technical investigations established that our infrastructure (at the complex) is sound and reliable,” Gadebe said.

EMM further cited high demand during recent hot temperatures as a reason for the low water pressure.

Precious Nkosi has lived in the complex for the past five years and said, on October 6, that the problem has existed since she moved in.

Khatija Osman has been living in Oakwood for the past 17 years.

“We are not living in a squatter camp, we came here for security and peace,” she said.

Clr Mary Goby (Ward 27), said either Rand Water or the EMM must take responsibility for the situation.

“I wish we knew the truth, but every email from them (EMM) has a different story attached to it,” she said.

Ashraf Patel, chairman of Oakwood, said a booster pump was installed about two years ago, after which the pressure in the complex normalised, but not for long.

“The pump burned out, because there was no pressure,” he said.

“Apparently the council and Rand Water discussed building more reservoirs, which would take another three to four years.”

Patel said three independent plumbers each concluded the municipal line was the problem, where the incoming water pressure was less than half of what it should be.

“Many house owners are losing tenants and they can’t sell, because no one will buy knowing there isn’t water,” he added.

The City Times recently reported on comparable complications in Brentwood Park, Benoni AH, Rynfield AH, Benoni Small Farms and Fairleads.

Benoni Small Farms residents Alison Bouic and Vera Hodgson said the water pressure was still low, although it had improved since August.

Clr Pieter Henning (Ward 100) mentioned the same problem in Fairleads, but was told by the water and sanitation department that the municipal infrastructure wasn’t to blame.

Clr Andre du Plessis (Ward 23) and Clr Stefanie Kruger (Ward 24) have put together a motion which, after approval from the DA caucus, will be filed in council.

“Too many developments were approved in Brentwood Park over the past few years, yet the infrastructure wasn’t upgraded, now people suffer during peak periods,” commented a person within the water department, who added that the reason for the weak water pressure is high demand, which has risen in recent years due to new developments in Benoni.

“People use too much water, they (the department) are thinking of implementing water restrictions, like in Pretoria,” said the person, who wished to remain anonymous.

“A new tower will be built in Northmead and we can keep adding reservoirs, but there is not an unlimited supply of water.”