Water losses due to unknown major leak?
A local resident believes he has found a major water leak the local municipality may not even know about.
Mogale City Local Municipality received a clean audit for the 2014/2015 financial year, but with 42 per cent water lost, unknown leakages are suspected.
Mike Monthé, a naturalist, farmer and former municipal employee, who among other things served as the head of water and electricity accounts for Randfontein Local Municipality recently moved to Krugersdorp and noticed a dense colony of bulrushes growing very close to a water tower and reservoir opposite Munsieville.
“Bulrushes grow in colonies alongside or in water and it may be evident of leaks in the water pipes supplying water to or from the reservoir,” Monthé told the News during a visit to the site.
Bulrushes are growing alongside and in the water flowing freely from the east side of the reservoir. A manhole opposite the water tower was filled to capacity with water. It was overflowing and seeping into the ground.
If Monthé’s suspicion is correct, this is a major water leakage from the reservoir. He also is concerned the water will settle around the reservoir’s walls, which will result in water seeping through the foundation of the reservoir.
“Sewerage spills and water leaks should be reported and addressed as urgently as fires. The relevant emergency contact numbers should be printed on all municipal accounts,” he said.
Monthé said on a number of occasions he had tried to contact Mogale City Local Municipality to report the matter, but was unsuccessful and decided to approach the News.
Nkosana Zali, Mogale City’s spokesperson, was approached for comment, but none has been received yet.
It is not clear if Mogale City is aware of the leak.
Read more:
• Municipality releases statement about ongoing water disruptions
• Mogale gets clean audit for 2014/ 2015
• Mogale admits to serious problem
