Breaks in water distribution to Illovo Glen and Astra Park since Monday, 21 September were not the result of sabotage.
According to ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge, a burst 100mm pipe at the St Gabriel and St Raphael intersection affected areas around Berrio Park on Monday.
“The pipe was excavated and replaced and a site inspection conducted at 5pm on Monday confirmed that water flow was restored,” said Cllr Beetge.
“Contradictory to rumour, the pipe was not damaged during excavation, but was excavated because it burst – it was an actual burst and not an incorrect diagnosis.”
There was, however a much more serious burst reported at 3pm on Monday relating to the main high rise 400mm line that feeds off the Almond Road reservoir.
“It had absolutely nothing to do with any strike actions and the pipe, embedded some three metres under ground, was not in any way sabotaged by employees or third parties,” Cllr Beetge.
A team was dispatched that worked into the night, first removing a section of palisade fence and then excavating to expose a burst pipe located between a special junction and the first joint outside the reservoir parameter.
“The break was of such a nature that a standard section of pipe couldn’t merely be replaced to re-establish flow, but rather a steel pipe needed to be purposely cut and welded to angles in order to accommodate the repair.
The night shift welding team was however by that time already occupied with another fabrication in Illovo, thus necessitating the task to be undertaken by the dayshift.”
A Tuesday morning 9.30am site inspection by Cllr Beetge confirmed a team taking measurements while a second team continued pumping water out of the hole and breaking away at the concrete casing embedding the junction.
The affected areas included St Winifreds from Almond Road to the N2, including Uitsig Road and Lower Illovo.
“A large area is affected and once the repair is complete, it will take several hours to pressurise the system and release air from the network – as such residents will note water being discharged from fire hydrants when air is being replaced by water.
While water tankers are in the area, arrangements have been made for a tanker to be parked at the R603 and Riet Road intersection opposite the Uitsig Road shopping centre and Engen garage.
We will endeavour to post updates on our Facebook site to keep residents informed,” said Cllr Beetge.
