Tshwane launches R4m water pipe upgrade in Eldoraigne

Eldoraigne residents will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief when the long-standing water supply issues and frequent leaks will be addressed.

The Tshwane metro has launched the Eldoraigne Water Pipeline Replacement Project, which is set to start in January.

This initiative aims to replace main feeder pipes that have deteriorated over time, leading to frequent leaks and supply disruptions for residents.

According to Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the project is set to commence on January 13, 2025, and is expected to be completed by March 19.

“The network pipes to be replaced include approximately 271m in Kern Street and 629m in Collin Road,” Mashigo explained.

He said that after March 19, the contractor will have an additional 14 days to finalise any remaining tasks before issuing a Certificate of Completion.

“Following this, there will be a 12-month defects liability period to address any latent defects on the replaced pipelines, and after that period, the project will reach its final completion.”

Mashigo said three campsite locations for the project have been identified.

“A ward committee will operate as the Project Steering Committee to oversee the progress of the project during the relatively short construction period,” he said.

He added that a community liaison officer is in the process of being appointed, with interviews scheduled for December 11 to facilitate communication between contractors and the community.

Mashigo assured residents that adequate, transparent communication will be upheld throughout the project.

“The liaison officer and ward councillor will play a pivotal role in keeping the community informed about the project’s progress.”

Ward councillor 69 Cindy Billson expressed her optimism regarding the project and stated that the estimated value of the project is a little over R4-million.

She said fixing the old pipes means that there will be fewer burst pipes and leaks, so the water supply will be way more reliable.

Billson highlighted several benefits that the community can expect from the upgrades, including improved water quality.

“New pipes mean cleaner, safer water without worries about contamination from rusty old infrastructure,” she added.

She also emphasised the environmental and economic advantages of the project, stating that the new water pipes will ensure that the community will lose way less water to leaks.

“This is a big win in our water-scarce country. Fewer repairs mean the city can save money and focus on other upgrades.”

Billson said the community has long suffered from the impact of outdated water systems, which have led to frequent water cuts and disruptions.

“Old, unreliable pipes mean residents often face water cuts, which is frustrating and inconvenient.”

She said leaks from outdated pipes waste a lot of water, while the constant patching of the old pipes is burning through resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

“Another issue is that this issue has raised health concerns, as burst pipes can lead to contaminated water entering the supply.”

Billson said in 2022 there were six major water pipes burst within a less than 500m radius of each other.

She said one was in Alan Road, while another one was in Saxby Road.

In January, there was a major stormwater pipe leak in Eldoraigne that had residents worried.

Residents of Starling Avenue in Eldoraigne were concerned that erosion caused by stormwater overflow damaging the road and their properties would lead to a sinkhole as the ground had eroded around the stormwater pipe.

Rekord previously reported that resident Gerhard Scheepers said the issue had become worse since he first reported it at the beginning of November.

He said the water had damaged his wall twice before.

Scheepers said the first time stormwater from Ruimte Road, which runs along the back of his property, damaged his property was during heavy rain on New Year’s Eve in 2010.

Since then, the overflowing stormwater system has cost Scheepers about R100 000 in damage repairs to his property.

At the time, Scheepers’ neighbour, the Kotze family, said they were concerned the hole could affect their driveway if it worsened, making access to their property a challenge.

Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba warned Centurion could expect water supply disruptions due to network maintenance this Friday.

He said Rand Water told Tshwane that it plans to maintain its Mapleton supply system from 08:00 to 16:00.

“The planned maintenance work, according to the water utility, is aimed at improving the system’s reliability and efficiency.”

Bokaba said this essential work will result in low pressure or no supply to the Tshwane network supplied by the Mapleton System.

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