UPDATE: Water pipe replacement expected in Felixton
Felixton residents have been left up in arms after a month of water cuts has resulted in contaminated tap water
CONTAMINATED water reportedly flowing out the taps of Felixton homes is the final straw for residents who have suffered from water interruptions for almost a month.
A warning on the Ward 23 Facebook page posted on Tuesday afternoon alerted residents to the issue and has further aggravated unhappiness over the ongoing water problems.
‘We have gone for days at a time without water and no one can give us a direct answer when we question the reason behind it,’ said resident Collin Paliam.
‘When we were first told it was due to water restrictions we just accepted it; but now one day it is restrictions, the next a burst pipe and now water contamination.
‘We appreciate the tankers providing us with water, but it is a huge inconvenience and we just need answers.’
Despite contacting the complaints department at the uMhlathuze Municipality, and receiving the same excuses, nothing has been done to resolve the inconsistent water cuts.
Burst pipe
According to Ward 23 councillor Andre de Lange, the reason behind the interruptions is due to the replacement of an unsupported pipe that became exposed to erosion.
‘After the train bridge collapse a few years ago, one of the main water pipes was damaged and replaced with a temporary plastic pipe,’ said de Lange.
‘Years of erosion and sun exposure led to cracks and ultimately it needed to be replaced.
‘After two departments conducted tests, one came back positive for water contamination.
‘The pipe should be replaced by today (Thursday).’
Felixton College
Aside from inconveniencing the residents, Felixton College has also taken strain from the water crisis.
‘Whilst we are doing all we can in the current circumstances, we appeal to parents to send sufficient drinking water to school with their children,’ headmaster Craig Neave said in a recent letter sent out to all parents.
‘We are anxiously awaiting news from the municipality on the expected resumption of the water supply, and will keep parents updated.’
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