Being without tap water for days and having very low water pressure at other times have residents in some parts of the north of Pretoria fuming.
Tshwane metro last week said the problem had been solved, but, according to Democratic Alliance (DA) member Alderman Gert Pretorius, the matter was of great concern and raised questions about water security in the capital city.
Earlier this month, residents of especially Florauna and those in the higher parts of the Magalies Mountain area, were seeing red after first experiencing very low water pressure before being without water for almost a week.
According to Florauna resident David Pieterse, the problem had been reported to the Tshwane metro on several occasions but different responses were given to explain the problem.
“I was either told that the problem had been assigned to a technician or plumber and that the situation would only escalate,” Pieterse said, adding that one Tshwane employee even told him the water reservoir had dried up.
“I would like to know how on earth something like this is possible. Surely there should be some measurements in place to avoid something like this from happening, if it is indeed the case?” he asked.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the bulk water supply section had confirmed the problem had been solved. “The low level of water in the reservoirs was due to the malfunctioning of the control system on the booster pump,” Mashigo told Rekord.
“Tshwane metro blames bulk water supply for the problem. Rumour has it that some reservoirs were only left with 4% water for these areas – no wonder residents of various wards are without water. I am extremely worried about the situation and the state of the city in general,” Pretorius said.
“Are these the first signs of a collapsing water service? Other infrastructure services like the situation with streetlights and the maintenance of roads are becoming worse by the day,” he added, calling on Tshwane executive mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa to speak up and inform residents about the real problems facing the city.
Also read:
Large parts of Pretoria without water
Water interruptions in parts of Pretoria
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