PHALABORWA – In a town already suffering from widespread water shortages, residents of Phalaborwa are growing increasingly frustrated with the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality’s failure to fix long-standing pipe bursts that are wasting thousands of litres of water daily.

The most troubling case is a major leak on Grosvenor Crescent, which residents say has been flowing continuously for several months, with no response from municipal officials despite repeated reports.

Residents have accused the municipality of turning a blind eye to the issue, calling it both a health hazard and a sign of deeper governance failure.

Also read: Phalaborwa water crisis worsens amid inaction

“We have been reporting this burst pipe for months now. All we get are empty promises and no follow-through. Meanwhile, water is gushing out into the street every single day, while in our homes, we often go for days without a single drop from the taps. It is beyond frustrating. It is a complete failure of basic service delivery,” said a frustrated resident.

Another resident expressed deep concern over the growing health and safety risks associated with the unattended leak.

“There is now a small pool of stagnant water forming around the burst pipe, which has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We have young children and elderly people living here; this is how disease spreads. The worst part is that this is not an isolated issue. Other leaks and service problems around town are also being ignored. It feels like the municipality has simply abandoned us. They hold meetings and make announcements, but nothing ever changes on the ground,” said another concerned resident.

Also read: Phalaborwa resident blames municipality for serious injury

Community members are demanding urgent intervention, saying the municipality’s inaction shows a lack of accountability and urgency during a time when every drop of water matters. Many have turned to social media to raise awareness.

When the Herald contacted Ba-Phalaborwa Municipal spokesperson Jonas Mahesu for comment, he stated that he would check with the technical manager but so far, no further response has been received.