“I’ve probably complained about 20 times,” alleged a resident. “When is the municipality going to fix it?”
While some Newcastle residents were without water recently, a leak on Jordan Street bubbled away, wasting clean water and infuriating residents.
“I heard from a friend the water was running down the road. We didn’t have water for two days and yet clean water was wasted!” exclaimed a resident. “Had I known, I would have brought a bucket for water to bathe with seeing as it was free.”
According to residents, the leak is yet to be fixed adequately, despite several complaints to the Newcastle Municipality.
“Once we’ve reported it, the municipality will come and ‘fix’ it, but it is never a permanent solution,” claimed Naresh, another resident. “Within a few days, the leak is back.”
Due to previous repairs, a portion of the road is severely damaged, forcing motorists to come to a grinding halt well before the stop sign, or swerve onto the other side of the road.
“If the road isn’t fixed along with the leak, I predict a collision will eventually occur,” he said. “Someone is going to drive on the other side of the road to avoid the damaged portion and an oncoming motorist taking the corner won’t see them in time.”
On February 18, Water Services Customer Relations Manager, Dr Dumisani Thabethe claimed the leak had been repaired and numerous reports had been received to date.
According to residents, municipal workers repaired the leak on February 17 and again on February 23.
“It looks to me like they are making an even bigger mess. They repaired the leak twice in one week – that says it all,” claimed an irate Naresh.
Dr Thabethe explained the reason for the leakage was because the connection was old and failed frequently.
“The long lasting solution would be to replace the whole connection, which we are planning to do as soon as we get time, at the convenience of consumers.”
Asked whether an apparent wastage of water became their first concern during scheduled water cuts, Dr Thabethe claimed water conservation and demand management was Newcastle Municipality’s highest priority.
“An apparent wastage is a priority because the pipelines might go empty during that period which will make our restoration take longer. It is for this reason we request residents to report visible leaks and burst pipes to the call centre on 0860 144 144.”
Reference numbers assist the municipality in keeping track of all reported incidents and the resolution thereof.
Residents are urged to keep their reference numbers handy when following up on complaints to expedite the process.
“It is essential that customers heed our call whenever we request for water to be used sparingly,” concluded Mr Thabethe.
