Edenvale residents petition for urgent replacement of aging asbestos water pipes
Frustrated by recurring water outages and a lack of maintenance materials, Edenvale residents are demanding the City of Ekurhuleni allocate a special budget to overhaul the town's failing asbestos pipeline network.
Following several bursts in Greater Edenvale, a petition has been started to replace the asbestos water pipes.
Lisa Atkins, Ward 18 environmental development portfolio committee member, said the residents of Edenvale are increasingly frustrated with the recurring failure of the outdated pipes.
She explained that some of these pipes were installed over 50 years ago.
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Atkins highlighted that many of the asbestos pipes have exceeded their operational lifespan of 30 to 50 years due to their age.
In the last 12 months, sections of Eastleigh, Edenglen, Highway Gardens, High Road, Second Street, Central Avenue, Terrace Road, Fourth Avenue, and Klipplaat Drive have experienced significant recurring bursts.
Atkins said infrastructure in these areas and roads requires immediate replacement.
“There have been at least five significant bursts occurring on High Road alone in the last 12 months.”
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She said residents have been left without water for extended periods while the Edenvale Depot procures the necessary resources for repairs.
“We urge the City of Ekurhuleni to allocate a special budget for the urgent replacement of all asbestos pipes, prioritising High Rd Eastleigh.
“I believe there is one team that is being shared between Edenvale and Boksburg.
“So instead of a 48-hour turnaround time, we are sometimes waiting up to a week for repairs to be carried out,” she said.
She added that the poor turnaround time stems not only from a shortage of staff, but also from a lack of the necessary materials.
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“There’s no piping, there’s no clamps, and there’s no valves, so it is a massive challenge.”
Atkins said that when a burst occurs on an asbestos pipe, such as the one along High Road, the municipality repairs only the section where the burst occurred instead of replacing the entire pipeline.
“Asbestos pipes have a limited lifespan, and if you look at Edenvale, the town has existed for longer than the lifespan of those pipes,” she said.
Atkins believes many, if not all, of the asbestos pipes in Edenvale need to be replaced.
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni, requesting comment by July 10 at 15:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
