WITHIN the next few weeks eThekwini Water will commence with the relaying of the water pipe infrastructure along the Cowies Hill section of Josiah Gumede Road.
This positive development comes after years of frustration where Cowies Hill and Dawncliffe residents have had their water supply cut whenever there is a burst water pipe on Josiah Gumede Road. The water relay will allow officials to only cut the water supply in affected areas when there is a water burst or leak.
“Over the past three years I have fielded innumerable complaints from residents regarding these issues. I have worked closely with the officials in this regard and have continually requested for such a project to be undertaken. The Inner West water officials have joined forces with me and made similar requests. It is therefore a relief that this work will finally be done,” said Tim Brauteseth, councillor of Ward 18.
According to Brauteseth, the project will be completed in an estimated three months. He also reported that there is a high possibility that contractors will encounter rock in the area, and this will extend the time frame of the project. The project will entail the relaying of approximately 3,5km of water mains at a projected cost of R4.6 million.
Due to the magnitude of the project and SCM Policy, five primary contracting teams will be working on this project, simultaneously.
“We anticipate lots of challenges with this project especially since we will be laying mains on both sides of the road. Traffic flow will be restricted during the day. During the process, heavy machinery will be used. eThekwini Water will send out notifications to the affected residents of the area, informing them of the nature of work that is going to take place. We are also looking at having this announced on the radio during the traffic updates,” continued Brauteseth.
Brauteseth urged residents to be patient during this time of disruption. “I will be in constant contact with the relevant contractors and will inform residents via Facebook and neighbourhood watches on any intended water stoppages during the construction period. This work will hopefully have the long term effect of stable water supply and will be worth the disruption,” concluded Brauteseth.
