Almost a year on, Moreleta Park flood victim still at loggerheads with Tshwane over damage claims
The homeowner Elsabe Coetzee says she got three quotations of the cost of damages which are all estimated at more than R200 000.
A Moreleta Park property owner, still locked in a battle with Tshwane metro over compensation after a reservoir overflow flooded her home, claims damages exceeding R200 000.
The east of Pretoria homeowner was dealt a devastating blow last year and almost half a year later she still finds herself in a stalled claim process.
Elsabe Coetzee said she has three quotations for the repairs, all estimated at more than R200 000.
Several homes in Wekker Street were flooded on the evening of July 24 last year when a nearby Tshwane reservoir overflowed.
The reservoir was being filled in advance of scheduled Rand Water maintenance from July 26 to 29, and the metro confirmed that the reservoir valve failed.
Coetzee said despite filing a damages claim as advised by the metro, she is yet to receive any compensation nor has anyone from the city come out to assess the damage.
The flood reportedly damaged gardens, a swimming pool, boundary wall, appliances, wooden floor, machinery and a Wendy house.
Coetzee claimed Tshwane failed to take responsibility.
She said what is frustrating about this incident is that the same happened in 2018 and she paid a lot of money for repairs.
Coetzee said the metro has not been forthcoming regarding the damage claim.
“Apart from the emails, no one has been in contact with us and no one has inspected the extent of the damage.”
She added that she kept asking if they would inspect the damage. “We can’t do the repairs until they inspect the damage.”
She said the only solution now is to sell the property.
“Since no one is helping, in the meantime, we have a rotten wooden floor and cupboards making my children sick in the process. I don’t know if I should submit even a medical claim as well.”
Coetzee added that the Tshwane legal department only communicated with them in October last year after her countless enquiries.
She provided Rekord with countless emails and follow-ups sent to Tshwane, the legal service and claims office.
In an email dated October 23, 2024, Julius Mphago a Legal admin officer of Delictual Contractual litigations and recovery responded: “We have not received comments from the relevant department. They are still conducting their investigations.”
She said no one from Tshwane had engaged them regarding a permanent solution to the flooding.
“Instead the Pretoria East Caring Forum co-ordinated the digging of a trench behind our yard, which seems to be helping as the flood in August missed us.”
She said the appliances in her Wendy house were damaged and some are not fixable.
“We had locked up a lawn mower, compressor, hoover and other appliances which are all damaged by the water.”
Ward 47 councillor Lida Erasmus said officials said they have repaired the faulty reservoir valves to prevent future flooding.
“The telemetry that auto stops the valves at the reservoir was fixed according to the bulk water department and this will prevent future occurrences.”
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the damage claim is with city brokers for determination, and they are awaiting a report from Water and Sanitation. The update was previously provided to the claimant.
“Regarding compensation, the City’s Insurance Broker will assess the claim according to applicable delictual principles. The outcome can either be settlement or rejection and this will be based on the legal assessment,” Bokaba said.
He added that the assessment and finalisation of the claim do not necessarily depend on the inspection.
Bokaba said the inlet control system automatically closes before the reservoir overflows.
“Sometimes it happens that fine sand particles in the water block the system which will then result in reservoirs overflowing.”
He added that the operational team maintains and operates the systems as best they can.
“Unfortunately, the city is faced with a situation where members of the public would steal or vandalise its infrastructure which then has a negative impact on our provision of services.”
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