Frustrations seep out of Somerset Park

DESPITE the recent reports of water scarcity dozens of liters of water have been wasted via a leaking pipe in Somerset Park since before Christmas last year.

The pipe in question runs along Tamarind Close and has been a nuisance to home owners for some time, said one of the residents, who did not want to be named.

“Every two to three months the pipe has a leak. I have been reporting it consistently, but enough is enough. I have lost all hope and am fed up with the poor workmanship. They need to dig up the pipe and replace it entirely instead of fixing the joints,” he said.

Furthermore the resident also said that the constant repairs were a serious inconvenience as it creates a ‘big mess’ inside and outside of his home.

Last year in November the irate resident also brought the issue to light after municipal workers left a massive and dangerous gaping hole following a repair of the same pipe. There was no safety measures or warnings placed around the hole. He approached the Northglen News after his complaints went unanswered for several weeks.

When Northglen News inspected the site on Friday it was clear that the ground was thoroughly soaked. Water could be seen seeping from underneath the road and from the sidewalk.

In the email sent to Northglen News the resident also expressed concern regarding his wall as he fears it may collapse with the soft soaked soil.

Umhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, said that such incidences were unacceptable as there are already several areas north of the city that have been subjected to water shedding – some for up to three hours a day.

“Personally I know of several leaks in the ward that continue to burst and burst time and again. Its unacceptable, particularly as we are so short of water supplies at the moment,” he said.

De Boer added that he would escalate the issue to the senior manager as well as head of the department of water and sanitation.