Randgate residents woke up to millions of litres of water streaming down the streets on Friday 17 November.
The municipality was called out shortly after 2am, and responded quickly to fix the leak on the corner of Buiten and Smuts Streets in Randgate.
Also read: Burst water pipe raises concern
According to ward councillor Sina Erasmus, a water pipe had burst in Buiten Street. The Herald found municipal workers thigh-deep in the water, trying to find the source of the problem.
“A six-inch water pipe burst in the early hours of this morning, and millions of litres of water have gone to waste,” said Deon Smith, the plumber.
He went on to say that they were struggling to shut off the water supply as the valves were rusted.
Now, two weeks after the incident, a local resident decided that enough water has gone to waste. The Herald met up with Cynthia Kotze who said in view of the water shortage in other parts of the country, she felt very sad about the situation.
“The water is still running from the pipe they were supposed to fix. I have taken videos and photos every day,” she said.
Also read: Burst pipe floods house
Cynthia, who has been living in Randgate since 1977, told the Herald that she has never seen such a mess. She said she felt very sad to watch millions of litres of clean water going to waste, especially because she and her husband are trying to save as much water as possible.
“Who is going to pay for this water? Will they add it to our monthly bill?” she asked.
Cynthia is also concerned about the big hole that was left open after the attempts to repair the pipe, because someone might fall into it and become injured.
The Herald asked Sina for her feedback, who said on Wednesday 29 November, “I did report the issue and I have sent in photos as proof”.
She told the Herald that the relevant Departments will attend the problem during the course of the day (Wednesday).
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
