Randgate residents slam water wastage
Despite the current water outages, residents of Barend Street struggle with water being wasted due to broken meters.
Residents of Barend Street have had enough. Frustration is mounting over persistent water leaks that have plagued their street for years, with little to no response from the local municipality.
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Kobus Steenekamp, a long-time resident, said the issue has been ongoing for three years. His neighbour’s leaking water meter causes water to run down the road and past his property.
The matter has been reported to the municipality, but nothing has been done. We have to pay for this water that is being wasted.
“We try to save water, but the water just keeps running down the street,” he explained.
As a pensioner with no other income, Steenekamp said his monthly water bill of R2 000 is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
He added that the problem is not limited to his neighbour’s property. Across the street, another water meter is leaking – this time underground – further contributing to the wastage.
Another resident, Rethabile Dyantyi, said her water meter has been broken for more than a year. At first, they were able to open and close the valve, but now it no longer works, and water flows constantly.
“The entire driveway is flooded. When I step out of my car, I step into water,” she said.
The malfunctioning meter also means it’s impossible to take accurate readings, forcing the household to estimate their water usage, often resulting in uncertainty over how much they owe.
I have lived here for many years, and this is the worst the street has ever looked,” Steenekamp said.
The Rand West City Local Municipality was approached for comment, but had not responded by the time of publication. An update will be provided once a response is received.
