Leaking hydrant concerns Somerset Park resident
The resident said the his primary concern was the wasting of clean water.
A FIRE hydrant in Somerset Park that has been leaking on and off for the last few months is causing concern among residents. The hydrant, which has a vacuum breaker attached to it, leaks often and has been repeatedly repaired by the City’s water department. The fire hydrant is situated outside, Reza Mahomed’s property on Ilchester Drive. He said his primary concern was the wasting of clean water. Mahomed says water constantly leaks into his yard and garage.
The vacuum breakers were put in when the City implemented its nightly water cuts as it allows the air to go out and not the water.
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“I understand that these were put in by the City to help with the water restrictions but this is the ninth time I’ve reported this. They repair this hydrant systematically. The City has come out within 24 hours in the past. Recently I was told they have to wait for sub-contractors who will now come out to repair it. Just imagine the amount of water that has gone to waste with this leak. We’ve been asked to save water but water is leaking out of this is in the thousands of litres. I’m also worried about my property, the water seeps into my garage,” he said.
An added concern mentioned Mahomed is the state of the hydrant which is covered in rust. uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer concurred with the Somerset Park resident saying he was concerned that if a fire broke out in the area the fire department would not be able to use the hydrant.
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“There was similar fault in Waterkant Road where the vacuum breaker was pushed right off and water jetted into the air. I’ve emailed the City about this particular issue. My concern is if there is a fire and the fire department try and connect their hose to it, they won’t be able to. The hydrant is in very poor condition,” he said.
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