Frustrations mount over new water restrictors
The uMhlanga ward councillor said there has been an exponential rise in water bursts and leaks since the water-saving measures have been implemented.
MORE water is being lost than saved with the city’s latest efforts to combat the country’s water crisis, said uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer.
Last week, municipal contractors began installing water restrictors at various homes in the Glenhills, Sunningdale, uMgani Park and Parkhill areas.
However, many residents have reported leaks and bursts following the installations.
uMgeni Park resident, Elizabeth Keyter, told the Northglen News on Wednesday that an hour after a restrictor had been fitted to their water meter they noticed a burst.
“When we took the cover off of the meter the water gushed out like a fountain. It must have sprayed about three metres high. We phoned about four times to report it, stressing the urgency, but they only came about 14 hours later,” she said.
A similar burst occurred in Conyngham Avenue in Parkhill on Tuesday.
According to De Boer, the new restrictors as well as the decision to reduce the water pressure to homes north of Durban has destabilised the system.
“There has been an exponential rise in water bursts and leaks since these water-saving measures have been implemented. The system is designed to run under constant pressure, however by tampering with the pressure it has caused bursts and leaks at the weak spots in the system,” he explained.
“When the municipality announced its decision to roll out the restrictors in March, they claimed they would be installed on an individual case-by-case basis, and only those who fail to reduce their water consumption by 15 per cent would be fitted. Now they have started the installation at all the homes,” said De Boer.
According to Ashan Nandlal, the senior manager for operations in the Water and Sanitation Department, the restrictors are being temporarily fitted to decrease the inflow of water to domestic properties.
“This will affect the rate at which your geyser fills up and your ability to use numerous water appliances and fittings at the same time,” said Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley.
