A short yellow outlet consisting of an upright pipe with a valve attached from which water can be tapped, may not seem as though it could cause anyone any sort of problems.

The Patel family who reside in Industria Road beg to differ and can attest to how a water hydrant outside their home has become problematic.

The hydrant, which is said to be owned by uThukela District Municipality has left the Patel family frustrated, as it floods their premises each time the system is flushed.

Litres of clean water oozes from the outlet when a burst water pipe or any other water issues within Forderville are reported to uThukela.

“I have reported this a million times. So far this year it has happened about three times. My yard gets flooded in knee-high water. A wall serving as a boundary is tumbling over due to the amount of water seeping in at its foundation,” explained Mohammed Patel.

Mr Patel is shocked and concerned that his complaints fall of deaf ears during a time of drought.

“If the matter is not resolved urgently I will be forced to take legal action. How much longer will I have to deal with this issue which is beginning to raise both health and safety concerns?” questioned Mr Patel.

These concerns have been sent to uThukela’s media spokesperson for comment; none was received at the time of going to print.