Rensburg residents demand answers as ninth pipeline burst and power outages raise concerns

Frustration is mounting among Rensburg residents over recurring water supply interruptions, with a community representative reporting the ninth burst on the area’s main water pipeline in five weeks.

Concerns have also grown over reports of power outages affecting certain areas.

The repeated pipeline failures have raised questions about the condition of the ageing asbestos-cement water pipeline and whether continued repairs are a sustainable long-term solution.

Residents are calling on the Lesedi Local Municipality to investigate the recurring bursts and consider replacing the affected pipeline to prevent further disruptions.

Ward 8 councillor Yvonne Combrinck confirmed she is urgently seeking answers from the municipality about the ongoing water outages. She has also received reports of power outages affecting certain areas of Rensburg.

“I am still waiting for feedback through the Call Centre Manager and have stressed the need for urgent information on both issues. I will continue following up with LLM and share further information as soon as it becomes available,” she said.

The latest concerns come amid wider water supply challenges in Lesedi. On October 21, Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo visited the municipality alongside Rand Water representatives and municipal officials to assess water supply challenges and explore possible solutions.

Questions have also been raised about the costs of repeated emergency repairs, including repair clamps, plumbing work, and overtime, as well as the inconvenience caused to households and businesses.

Residents are calling for greater accountability, improved infrastructure maintenance and a permanent solution to the recurring water supply problems.