Burst pipe causes serious concern
RANDPARK RIDGE – Litres upon litres of fresh water goes down the drain.
A burst pipe in Randpark Ridge has become a serious concern for residents as they watched litres and litres of fresh water wasting down the drain.
Richard Owens, who owns the property on which the pipe burst, stated that the issue started around 28 April, but he was away at the time. He nonetheless reported the matter to Jo’burg Water, who later came to assess the problem and also dug a trench to divert the water from running into nearby properties.
By 23 May, the water was still gushing, and the problem had escalated to the extent that the Owens family had a six metre deep pool of water on their sidewalk.
“My concern regarding this is that the city is losing a lot of money on this leak,” stated Owens, “probably running into tens of thousands of rands.”
His neighbours also reported the leak. “Even though Jo’burg Water saw the problem, no action has been taken to fix it.”
Jo’burg Water spokesperson Millicent Kabwe says, the reason for the leak continuing is because they are waiting for a part which needs to be installed to stop the water flow.
“We are aware of the leak and when the team came to site, it was clear that the job would need equipment that they didn’t have at the time,” said Kabwe.
“The team didn’t leave the leak unattended as claimed by the resident. We have temporarily repaired the leak stemming from the 600mm fibre cement main. We can only repair it properly with the correct material.”
Kabwe further stated that they have ensured that this site is kept ‘safe’ until the work is completed.
“We have ordered two specific fittings that need to be manufactured in order to stop the leak completely, and we are waiting for its delivery at the moment. We hope to receive this within the week and work should be completed soon thereafter,” Kabwe concluded.
Details: Jo’burg Connect 011 375 5555.
