Pressure on EMM to permanently fix burst pipe in Farrarmere
It is uncertain when the water will be switched off again.
Information about when large parts of Benoni will be without water again to permanently fix the burst water pipe in Farrarmere has yet to be disclosed.
READ:
Large parts of Benoni without water
Parts of Farrarmere, Northmead, Rynfield and Airfield were left without water on Thursday night after a pipe was struck by fibre company Vumatel on the corner of Sheridan Road and Cambridge Street.
The main valve at the reservoir was switched on this morning (April 6) so the affected areas received water again.
Ward 28 Clr Malanie Haggard said the pipes have not been permanently fixed as the correct materials from the municipality will only be collected today.
“The clamps are not going to last, it is just a temporary fix [until] we can find the right collars,” Haggard said.
“Once all of the correct materials are collected by the municipality, further communications will be sent out for times that the water will be shut again to complete the main repair.”
Vumatel representative Travis Mason said the pipe may be replaced today and they are still on site should anyone have questions.
“We are ensuring that the area is safe by placing barricades on site,” Mason said.
“Last night the municipality looked for pipes but it was either too small or too big.”
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/travis-mason-from-vumatel-explains-about-the-burst-pipe
Mason said when the correct materials are received shut down of water should be an estimation of three to four hours if all goes well with the replacement.
Haggard said Vumatel employees and she were on site until this morning.
“It’s most frustrating to see workers trying to work, but there is an absolute lack of resources in Ekurhuleni stores department – it’s shocking,” she said.
Although Mason said the pipe may be replaced today, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) spokesperson Themba Gadebe said no timeline can be given due to the nature of the issue.
“We are doing everything we can to repair this service as quickly as possible,” Gadebe said.
“Vumatel [is] engaging with residents and an SMS campaign will be sent out.
“…we apologise for the inconvenience to the residents.”
Haggard thanked two residents in Farrarmere for making coffee for the employers as they worked at 11pm on Thursday night.
“Thanks everyone in advance for your patience and understanding during this service hit,” Haggard said.
Anyone who has queries can email Mason on travis.mason@vumatel.co.za
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