According to the complainant, who wishes to remain anonymous, within a distance of 130m the mentioned pipe has about four leakages.
This has apparently been ongoing for the past two years, causing poor water pressure in the surrounding areas.
“The whole pipe is rusted and over a million litres of fresh water is being wasted,” said the complainant.
Reeds taller than a metre have been growing in the wet areas around the leakages and now also serve as a hiding place for criminals.
“It is like a swamp. Moss is growing in the still-standing water and it stinks,” he said.
The complainant says this could be a health risk, as well as an ecological problem, because the contaminated water is flowing through the main supply water pipe to a dam in Sunward Village where geese have made themselves at home.
In an attempt to repair the pipe, contractors were on site on June 11.
However, they allegedly only dug a hole and left the job unfinished.
“They said that they would return, but never did,” said the complainant.
“It is as if the Ekurhuleni Metro does not want to help.”
According to the metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, the pipe in question has not been leaking for the past two years.
“It’s a 450mm steel pipe and a leak was repaired recently. Smaller pinhole leaks were detected and this could not be repaired with clamps only,” said Gadebe.
He added that the metro has appointed a contractor to replace the steel pipe with a plastic pipe that can withstand wear and tear.
“Work will commence soon as material and way leaves are in place as water cannot be turned off for an indefinite time,” said Gadebe.
“Work is planned to commence not later than August 10.”
