The City of Mbombela (CoM) finally started upgrading the area’s outdated asbestos water pipes to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which community members had fought for years to be replaced.

The asbestos pipes were prone to constant bursts, leading to frequent water shortages. Mechciv Construction and Mole Construction were appointed to carry out the replacement of the old pipes.

The CoM’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, confirmed that the municipality is busy with the first phase of the project.

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“Due to budget constraints, the initial phase would cover only four kilometres. This upgrade is part of the 2025/26 financial year’s budget, which will be tabled in July. The municipality made a promise to replace these pipes to end the constant bursts and unnecessary water shortages. We hope to complete the replacement of all asbestos pipes in the next financial year.”

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According to Ngala, the contractor is already working on the project and is expected to finish the first section soon.

He appealed to community members for patience as water supply might be temporarily disrupted during construction.

The CoM assured residents that plans are in place to ensure access to water throughout the process.

The long-overdue action was welcomed by residents and the area’s ward councillor. They are urging the municipality to do a quality job as the area had been experiencing water problems for a long time.

Ward councillor Rowan Torr said he is grateful for this action. “I am hoping the municipality would ensure all asbestos pipes are changed to pipes with HDPE, which are easy to repair. Once that happens, we have no doubt that the consistent water shortages in the area would be a thing of the past, unless a major problem beyond our control occurs,” he said.