Leak leaves residents drained
There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, as a contractor repaired the leak earlier this week.
Plumbing problems at the municipal-owned Weltevreden Flats appear to have been resolved. The Brakpan Herald paid a visit to the flats last week to investigate complaints of a major water leak.
Water was observed streaming down the road for half a block before draining into a stormwater drain. This leak has reportedly been a periodic problem since November, with complaints made to the CoE.
A businessman in the area claimed the leak has been a problem for over a year. If it’s not fresh water streaming down the street or causing flooding in front of the flats, it’s clogged drains causing sewage to spill all over the courtyard and entryways of the building.
In order to save water going to waste because of the leak, the water is turned off every night at 20:00. It is switched on again in the mornings. A local business attempted to replace a faulty valve, but two days later the leak reappeared, presumably due to the state of the plumbing.
One of the residents, an elderly woman who uses a walker, lives on the ground floor where the leak sometimes floods the corridor.
Residents are concerned for her safety, as the flooding is likely to cause her to fall. According to residents, work by the municipality has, in the past, been abandoned before the problem has been resolved.
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Residents have also reportedly been told the city is waiting for a contractor to be assigned. CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini denied the leak has been a problem for over a year
“It is not true that this water has been running for over a year,” he said. “However, the city has appointed a contractor to deal with this issue.”
It was confirmed a contractor repaired the leak on Monday. The ground was left open to to dry out before the hole was filled yesterday (Thursday).
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