Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The water distribution system in two Matlosana wards need an urgent upgrade because it is literally falling apart. This aging infrastructure suffers from recurring pipe bursts due to excessive pressure and has become a major source of water loss in the community.
Time and again, DA Cllr Jacky Basson finds herself sloshing through running water in her ward. Last week she took her fishing rod with her when she was called out to yet another pipe burst in La Hoff. It was a joke of course, and made for some good photographs but, said Basson, there is nothing to laugh about, and thousands of litres of water get lost every week.
“Years of neglect and reliance on fragile cement asbestos pipes have caused persistent water supply challenges, leaving residents to endure frequent disruptions and significant water losses.’’
She said the current water system was designed with cement asbestos pipes and was meant to last 50 years. These pipes have long surpassed their lifespan. Adding to the crisis is the malfunctioning pressure regulation system. She explained that of the five pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) meant to manage water pressure in the area, the valve in Ward 16 has been broken for over 20 years and remains unrepaired. This leaves the PRV in Ward 17 responsible for regulating water pressure in both wards. Designed to handle a maximum pressure of 300 kPa, the Ward 17 PRV is now managing over 800 kPa - an overload causing repeated pipe bursts and damaging the water infrastructure further.
“The broken PRV in ward 16 must be repaired and then the asbestos water pipes can be repaired. Without these interventions, the residents of Wards 16 and 17 will continue to suffer from unreliable water supply, worsening the already dire living conditions.’’
Klerksdorp Record reported about challenges in the water department last week after ward 39 Councillor, Inge Wilken, complained about water teams not having transport to fix burst pipes. After repeatedly asking the Matlosana Municipality to respond on these allegations, they remain mum. Midvaal Water, the city’s water provider, has stepped up on numerous occasions to fix pipe bursts and prevent further water waste.
To add to the problems in the water department, employees are disgruntled because their overtime pay was not paid to them.
On Friday morning January 24, they staged an onslaught at the municipal building, setting fire at the entrance to the building and manhandling some of the staff inside the building. The situation was tense and the building had to be evactuated. Afterwards, Executive Mayor Fikile Mahlophe apologised and ordered that the financial department work overtime to sort out the overtime pay to the employees.
Cllr Hendrik Jordaan (FF Plus) said the municipality must resolve its labour issues so not to constrain service delivery.
