Temporary solutions aren’t a patch on old pipes.
For this reason, a statement from the SED of Electrical, Mechanical and Technical Services, Lindile Zincume, is welcome news.
He stated the municipality had prioritised replacing old-world pipes this financial year.
“The municipality has old pipe infrastructure. Most pipes get fixed and burst at a different section of the same pipe. (We) are prioritising replacement of asbestos-cement (AC) pipes in 2016/2017.”
Stating pipes were repaired as soon as was practical after being reported as damaged, Mr Zincume touched on the key problem surrounding ageing infrastructure.
The reality is, many piping systems have reached the end of their design life.
In a report to the Executive Committee earlier this year, this included AC, galvanised, cast-iron and steel pipes across the greater Newcastle area.
During his State of the Town address, Mayor, Afzul Rehman did confirm R15-million set aside in this regard.
The municipality is also rooting out leaks, which consume millions each year.
“We are also going house-to-house in our Water Conservation and Demand Management project in oSizweni, to the tune of R13,6-million.”
As previously reported in the Newcastle Advertiser, possible funding from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and the Development Bank of South Africa might be a lifeline for pipes and more.
There is no new information on these possibilities, however.
In the meantime, new information has revealed the sinkhole of Sutherland Street may have been the result of yet another burst pipe.
The road has since been repaired, and hopefully will see no more damage.
