WATER pressure to flats at Tuinsig in Problem Mkhize (Cowey) Road has diminished over the past month, but despite numerous calls to the municipality nothing has been done to rectify the problem.
Rev Johann Venter from Tuinsig told Berea Mail that the problem started around five weeks ago.
“When the water suddendly stopped we tried to find out if it was a problem on our side and had two plumbers out to check the pipes. Both advised us there were no problems from our side and that we should contact the municipality to check the municipal connection,” he said.
Venter said they had contacted the municipality and were in possession of three reference numbers.
“At one point after we had no water, the supply did return but the pressure was extremely low. The water comes from the reservoir and flows down to our supply, but it comes and goes during the day and there is not enough water for the home. This is an eight floor block of flats, and to water does not reach the upstairs flats, especially at night. There are 144 elderly residents and 85 frail and semi-frail people who are being affected by this issue,” he said.
Venter said a municipal worker had gone out to inspect the problem recently, but had turned on the tap and seen water flowing out and told the staff member on duty at the home that the problem had obviously been solved.
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“I believe the problem is that two years ago there was a burst pipe which was replaced with a smaller one in a smaller water meter, which I think is affecting the water pressure. We told the municipality that a bigger pipe needs to be connected again, but this has fallen on deaf ears,” he said.
Ward councillor, Martin Meyer said Venter had contacted him regarding the issue, and he had contacted the head of water numerous times.
“I will contact him again. I know the water department is dealing with a huge backlog at the moment,” he said.
Venter also mentioned he had requested road markings outside the property in Problem Mkhize Road seven years ago, but had received no feedback on this. He said large vehicles and trucks parking alongside the pavement blocked the view of motorists turning out of the property into the road, and that during rush hour, cars didn’t give way for people turning into the road.
“I will look into the timing of the robots and send this through to the department, and will enquire about the possibility of having flashing lights installed by the entrance, and having the red line along the pavement extended to stop vehicles parking right up to the entrance to Tuinsig,” said Meyer.
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