Burst pipes cause catastrophe in Durban North
Seven different bursts across seven different roads have been recorded in the ward.
A SERIES of burst pipes spread out across Ward 36 over the past week has caused a nightmare for residents and the eThekwini Municipality.
Bursts on Romsey Grove, Swapo Road, Kenneth Kaunda Road, Athlone Road, Lansdowne Crescent, and Stirling Crescent have been recorded, leaving sections of road dug up and residents without water.
On Umhlanga Rocks Drive alone, four bursts have been recorded over seven days.
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Heinz de Boer, ward councillor for the area, has described the situation as a ‘week from hell’.
“It has been an absolute disaster. Residents in Parkhill have not had a consistent water supply for almost a week. The pipeline along Umhlanga Rocks Drive had bursts in different sections in the past week. What is clear is a major pipe replacement project is needed. That, coupled with the installation of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) within the area, would curtail pipe bursts.
“Some of the old asbestos pipes are problematic because they can’t seem to regulate pressure on the mainline, however. The conversation we need to have is pipe replacement is an absolute necessity. This needs to become a major focus of the city. I’ve not seen a single PRV built in the area,” he said.
De Boer added that on Monday, October 6, there were four water tanks operating in the area.
Earlier this year the City said it would be intensifying measures to enhance water management through various initiatives.
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“This includes installing strategic Pressure Reducing Valves in key network zones. PRVs help to manage pressure effectively and reduce incidents of bursts and leaks which results in excessive water losses. The plan is in line with the Water Turnaround Strategy that seeks to reduce non-revenue water until it reaches acceptable standards.
“Other initiatives on the action plan include maintenance of PRVs, restrictor installation, to rehabilitate and refurbish district metered areas, performance-based contracts for leak detection and repairs, and installing data loggers and trunk main pressure sensors. These initiatives are at the procurement process,” the City in a statement.
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