Avatar photo

By Marnelle Greyling

Journalist


Fourways home wrecked after huge water pipe explodes

Residents are still reeling from shock after the recent life-threatening fiasco.


A Fourways family in Johannesburg has been left reeling after their Talavera Estate home was destroyed by a mainline water pipe that exploded and caused the house to nearly fall apart, Fourways Review reports.

The White family was still very traumatised when they attended a conference that was held at Cedar Lakes Estate later that day. General manager of operations Etienne Hugo represented Joburg Water on the night. Hugo reassured them that the explosion would be investigated and that the family would be taken care of.

The family has already been housed in a self-catering unit nearby, explained Tidimalo Chuene, manager of marketing and communications at Johannesburg Water.

“Our insurers have initially also offered assistance with meal vouchers and transportation, but the couple has not yet taken up this offer. They are currently still engaging with the family to offer further assistance if required,” said Chuene.

The White family has no transportation because their cars were severely damaged when the water pipe exploded.

The White family has no transportation because their cars were severely damaged when the water pipe exploded.

READ MORE: Huge increase in Vaal Dam water level overnight

A section of the main water pipeline that exploded

A section of the main water pipeline that exploded

The White family and the local community are very angry that this has happened because Talavera Estate and surrounding estates have been struggling with this water crisis since December 2016. The failed infrastructure has left 8 500 households without water.

Chuene explained that once the investigation has been finalised a report will be compiled to inform the residents about the exact cause of all the pipe failures.

The cause of the pipe burst is currently under investigation, and updates will follow.

READ MORE: 

Huge increase in Vaal Dam water level overnight

Caxton News Service

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.

Read more on these topics

water

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.