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Tshwane blames water leaks on asbestos pipes as north residents left frustrated
Residents of Theresapark in the north of Pretoria are expressing their growing frustration over persistent water leaks, attributed to ageing asbestos pipes. Despite efforts by the Tshwane metro, many residents feel that the response to the water leaks has been inadequate.
Concerns have been raised by residents regarding the maintenance of infrastructure in their communities, leading to an unreliable water supply. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo stated that the water distribution network in Theresapark mainly consists of ageing asbestos pipes, which are prone to bursting during extreme temperature changes due to their rigid nature.
This vulnerability has resulted in frequent leaks, prompting residents to report them as they occur. While repairs are carried out on a case-by-case basis, the continuous nature of these leaks has left some residents feeling overwhelmed and lacking resources.
Mashigo indicated that the metro is currently tasked with responding to reported water leaks as they are reported. Residents have the option to report issues through a dedicated hotline at 012 358 9999 or via email at [email protected].
However, concerns have been raised regarding the metro’s response time norms of 48 hours, which some feel is too lengthy, particularly due to frequent disruptions. The metro has assured that water tankers will be dispatched if interruptions persist for over 24 hours.
Although lengthy outages are uncommon, as most repairs are typically completed within eight hours, Zinhle Maponya emphasized that relying on temporary water supplies is not an ideal solution for residents dealing with the inconvenience of frequent leaks.
Mashigo emphasized that information is primarily disseminated through the local ward councillor and various reporting platforms. The metro has a dedicated unit focused on a pipe replacement program aimed at reducing breakages by replacing old and deteriorated pipes.
While these long-term plans show promise, residents are eager to witness more immediate action to address the current leaks. Mashigo highlighted that residents can engage in discussions about infrastructure improvement through the Integrated Development Plan process.
Residents are advocating for more proactive measures from the metro and are hopeful that ongoing dialogue and engagement will lead to lasting solutions to enhance water infrastructure and overall quality of life.
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