Despite having received at least two SMS messages in regard to cutovers from asbestos pipes to the newly installed PVC pipeline, the municipality has now admitted that the cutovers in Kanonkop have not taken place.

In a written response to DA councillor Helda de Klerk’s question over why PVC pipes continue to burst in Kanonkop, despite the cutover and the municipality believing the replacements offered a more durable solution to water shortages, the municipality conceded that Kanonkop’s cutover has not been done due to financial constraints.

Residents have, however, on at least two occasions, received messages from the municipality saying cutovers will take place, so that residents could prepare for consequent water shortages.

In response to a question by De Klerk, the technical and infrastructure department denied De Klerk’s assumption that newly installed PVC pipes are prone to burst, just like the previous asbestos lines.

The department said it has not had any burst PVC pipes in Kanonkop and that areas still experiencing frequent bursts still have old asbestos pipes.

The plan is to budget for the cutovers in the coming financial cycles so that the municipality can fast-track connections of the PVC network.

On De Klerk’s assertion that the replacement of asbestos pipes with the more durable PVC network had been a waste of money, based on continued burst pipes in Kanonkop, the department countered, saying that a significant decrease of water losses had been achieved in Mhluzi, some parts of town, as well as in Hendrina and Kwazamokuhle.

The department, however, failed to answer De Klerk’s question on the estimated costs of water losses, apart from acknowledging that burst pipes are ‘disruptive’.

According to the department, areas which show ongoing water losses include Pullenshope, Komati, Blinkpan and Presidentsrus.

To mitigate losses, the municipality has launched a water meter audit in the above areas, as well as in Middelburg and Hendrina.

In regard to fellow DA councillor Gys Romijn’s question on what the municipality is doing to make water provision more accessible to the Uitkyk community, the municipality said Jo-Jo Tanks and periodic water deliveries take place.

Bulk services cannot be provided to the Uitkyk community since the area is private property, like Doornkop, where the community are also provided with water by contractors tapping from municipal lines and selling the water.

Doornkop also has communal taps, but they often run dry, while some residents have to walk miles to collect water for basic household use.