City takes action on water leaks in Bedfordview after months of complaints

The City of Ekurhuleni has finally taken action to address Bedfordview’s ongoing water leaks.

Following months of complaints by frustrated residents and local NPO Better Bedfordview, the city has dispatched contractors on the ground.

Residents previously told Bedfordview and Edenvale News that several water leaks reported to the metro had been left unattended.

ALSO READ: Video: City remains silent on water leaks in Bedfordview

As a result, gallons of usable water is wasted and it is damaging road infrastructure.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said some of the leaks have been attended to and closed on the system.

“There are water contractors on the ground from the revenue division addressing water leaks. We have two water teams out of six addressing the leaks.

“The operations division is awaiting approval of the safety file of the water contractor before they can commence with the works,” explained Dlamini.

He said leaks on Van der Linde, 8 Hawley Road and 25 Talisman have been repaired.

Previously when the News visited Van der Linde, five water leaks were spotted, which had been there for months.

“The reason for taking so long is that most of the leaks were not reported correctly under water metering.

ALSO READ: Local family affected by water leaks and delayed repairs

“We have, however, resolved the problem with our sister division operation that should any meter-related leak be misreported under water operations, it will be transferred as soon as they notice so that we can be aware and attend urgently to avoid further loss,” said Dlamini.

Better Bedfordview chairperson, Marina Constas, shared that though leaks are being attended to there are still some outstanding ones.

However, she remained positive.

Clr Jill Humphreys agreed the water issue had been a huge problem for along time now.

“In the last few days, there has been a response and progress. I am reassured that the necessary HDPE pipes are available.

“These are to replace the ancient and destroyed galvanised pipes that cross the roads,” said Humphreys.

She said the delay is more in the process rather than the equipment.

ALSO READ: Better Bedfordview wants answers about water leaks from CoE

“They are installed by drilling across and under the roads.”

She also commanded the Better Bedfordview team for the amazing work it does.

“We are fortunate to have a community that cares enough to do what they are doing. I share their outrage and frustration.

“They recognise the limitation of the city and instead of just complaining, they are getting in there and fixing what they can.

“It would help if we were able to obtain MOUs from the city to do more,” explained Humphreys.