Briardene business concerned over persistent leak
The business owner fears that the leaking water could be hazardous for himself and his workers.
A BRIARDENE business owner says he is concerned over a persistent water leak which floods his work space on Acutt Avenue. The leak he said seems to be coming from the back of Briardene Informal Settlement which is directly behind the business. Graeme Campbell, who owns North Coast Scrap Metals says workers have had to create a network of pipes to divert the water into the stormwater drain to avoid flooding the area.
“Considering we are in a drought, it’s worrying that this water continues to leak everyday and nothing seems to be done about it. Sometimes there’s a smell which I suspect could be sewerage and that’s hazardous for the workers and myself. The amount of water flowing from the settlement which is behind us on a cliff face differs. Last week we had thousands of litres flowing freely which flooded the back of the business. I must give kudos to the eThekwini Municipality for stemming the flow, however, two days later, the water began trickling down again,” he said.
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Campbell said the water leaks has affected his business as workers are forced to clear the water away.
“I’m at my wit’s end. I really hope the issue can be solved speedily because this has been going on for more than three weeks,” Campbell said.
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said he had raised the issue with the City manager.
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“There is currently a major problem with leaks in the Briardene area both in terms of potable water and sewerage. There are a number of reasons for this including unauthorised building work and clogging of drains with newspaper and other implements. I have requested the water department to investigate and formulate a rectification plan that can be implemented as a matter of urgency. The department has acknowledged that there is a major problem and have initiated action admitting that is is a major undertaking,” he said.
