A family on Esther Roberts Road has been enduring the daily sight of a mini stream of clean water flowing on their driveway, despite numerous reports to the eThekwini Municipality.

Before one enters the driveway, there is a glaring problem on the pavement: a bigger leak has been running for over six months. The homeowners suspect that the pavement leak is the source of the water flowing into their driveway.

“The walls are showing signs of cracking, and in no time the walls will collapse. It’s sad to watch this beautiful 140-year-old house endure this,” explained homeowner Nick Barstow.

“The flowing water is a major inconvenience we wake up to. Apart from that, the water is clean, and some people can benefit from litres gushing out every second. Luckily, the water flows into a water drain at the bottom of the driveway in the yard,” Barstow said.

Already there is another lump by the gate, indicating a brewing leak underneath. Barstow fears that the stream issue may cause irreversible damage.

“I understand that leaks are a common problem in the area, and that infrastructure maintenance is not high on the municipality’s agenda. We have reported the problem since it began, and every time we would be told it would be attended to, or escalated, or that they’re short-staffed, or that workers are on strike,” he said.

Upon Berea Mail’s enquiry to the City, the spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila responded, “The eThekwini Municipality can confirm that a plumber was dispatched to Esther Roberts on September 1, to assess and attend to the reported water leak.”

Despite the City’s response the water continues to stream down the Barstows’ driveway, and reportedly the flow is getting stronger.

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