Water woes for Durban North resident
A Durban North resident is at her wit's end after her third geyser packs up in 18 months.
A BURLEIGH Crescent resident is at her wit’s end after replacing her third geyser in the last 18 months. What is more, Jenny Lourenco, said she has had sand and dirt coming out of her taps every morning. She has also experienced poor water pressure due to the nightly water shut-offs. The City recently implemented stage 3 nightly water shut-offs which meant areas would be without water for 11 hours (from 7pm to 6am).
However, Lourenco, said the ‘water-shedding’ wasn’t evenly being spread, with some residents experiencing nightly shut-offs while others were not.
“We have tolerated poor water pressure and no water, where shut-offs are as early as 7.30pm in the evening. It has now reached unacceptable levels as we are in a residential suburb where we pay a premium for rates taxes and other Municipal services yet there is zero service delivery. The quality of water coming from my taps at home is awful.
“A member of the City’s environmental department visited the site and took a water sample but I’m still waiting for the actual testing of this contaminated water. I have now had to resort to showering at the local gym of a country club due to the poor quality,” she said.
On the day Northglen News visited Lourenco, a third geyser had given up, making it three geysers in 18 months.
“I have now been advised by the insurance company that no future claims will be entertained in the short-term. What I’d like to know is the City going to be held liable for the damages to my property from the nightly shut-offs. The situation is just ridiculous,” she said.
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, empathised with Lourenco, saying the City could soon face legal action from residents.
“Complaints of this nature are mounting now and I am afraid that this is a direct result of the methods we are using to get through this drought period. It is beginning to cost residents dearly to sustain this and I am convinced that very soon the City may find itself liable if somebody is prepared to take this on in litigation,” he said.
