A FAMILY in Pinetown is seeking accountability and answers after a burst municipal water pipe caused flooding and structural damage to their property, with little to no assistance from eThekwini Municipality.

The incident began on Tuesday night (April 14) when a main water pipe burst at the top of Rushbrook Road, Moseley Park.

According to the homeowner, Charles Singh, water flowed beneath the road surface, eventually creating a sinkhole before surging into their yard and home.

“The plumbers that came out on Wednesday cordoned off the road and said there is nothing further they could do as there is only one tracer in KZN. The water ran continuously through our property for days,” said his wife, Rashika. “It was uncontrollable.”

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Due to the water running continuously, the force of the water caused a sinkhole next to the Singhs’ home, depositing large amounts of sand and debris onto the property.

The family estimates that at least 40 barrows of sand had to be removed, with drainage systems left completely clogged.

Despite reporting the issue several times, the family said they received no meaningful assistance from the municipality.

On Thursday, the homeowner visited a local Sizakala centre. He was informed that the matter had been escalated but was told to wait, as no tracer was available in KZN at the time.

“All they kept saying was that it had been escalated. There was nothing more they could do,” he said.

The Singhs said they also sought help from the ward councillor’s office and did not get any assistance.
By Friday morning, the situation had worsened.

“It was traumatising as the water entered our bathroom through the drain,” said Rashika.

“We managed to get a plumber and tracer on site on Friday around 09:00. With the help of excavation equipment, they uncovered a large sinkhole beneath Rushbrook Road.”

Water woes

The family said they were forced to take matters into their own hands, purchasing sandbags to divert the water and prevent further damage. They have since had to rely on their insurance to begin addressing the destruction.

“To date, no representative from the municipality has contacted us or come to assess the damage or check on our well-being,” said Charles.

The family has raised concerns about their own experience and about the broader risk to vulnerable residents in the area.

“We were fortunate enough to find help ourselves, but there are elderly and sickly people living alone here. How are they supposed to deal with something like this?” they asked.

The City responded to Highway Mail’s query and said they are still collating the necessary information from the relevant department. “The matter is receiving attention, and a comprehensive response will be provided as soon as the information becomes available.”

@caxtonlocalmedia Burst pipe chaos 😳💧 Water poured through this Pinetown home for DAYS! #highwaymail #burstpipe #water ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

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