Municipality responds to increase in burst pipes
The increase in the number of burst pipes is said to be due to the ageing infrastructure and a change in temperature.
After months of reported burst pipes, failing water infrastructure, delays in workmanship and the installation and repair of new pressure release valves (PRVs), residents of Aviary Hill continue to struggle without the supply of water on a daily basis.
Head of Communications at the Newcastle Municipality, Dr Dumisani Thabethe said the municipality repaired water leaks as and when they were reported. However, priority was given to burst pipes.
Some residents said they were fed up of reporting burst water pipes and allegedly being ignored, even after obtaining a reference number from the Water and Sanitation Department.
“Burst pipes are attended to with immediate effect unless there are other contributing factors to the delay like obstruction on sites or the compromised safety of the staff,” said Dr Thabethe.
He explained the increase in the number of burst pipes was due to the ageing infrastructure, coupled with the change in temperature.
A month ago, Councillor Bebsie Cronje visited the Signal Hill reservoir on an oversight visit and discovered cracks, which were reported. Dr Thabethe said the municipality had requested an engineer to visit the site and confirm the observation by Cllr Cronje. He further confirmed the municipality had two water trucks which were deployed, in instances where there was no supply of water.
“There are two trucks available depending on how big the area is.”
When questioned about the cost of repairing or replacing damaged pipes, Dr Thabethe explained the municipality utilised internal staff to fix burst pipes, however extra costs could be incurred if workers had to clock in overtime.
ALSO READ: Residents left without water ‘for weeks’
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for constant updates:
