Tshwane aims to clear backlog of water leaks in Centurion

Tshwane is working on addressing the backlog in water leaks, a source of frustration for many residents of Centurion.

According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the city is actively repairing water leaks as they are reported, and tackling the backlog.

He stated that since December 2024, the metro has received about 1 900 service requests from residents in Region 4, with 95% of reported water leaks resolved.

However, he acknowledged that various reasons contribute to delays, including the availability of materials.

“The delay in addressing water leaks has various causes ranging from the immediate availability of requisite materials to the severity of the leakage and, occasionally, severe weather conditions,” he stated.

“However, the city does its best to address the loss of water by prioritising major leaks and clearing any backlogs.”

Mashigo added that the metro has adopted a response plan requiring all leaks to be addressed within 48 hours.

Residents in Centurion have also raised concerns about pavements and tar roads not being rehabilitated after the earth has been dug up to get to the leaking pipe.

To address this, Mashigo explained that once repairs are completed and there is no sign of water leakage and as soon as the trench is dry, it is backfilled and compacted in layers.

He acknowledged that while repairs are ongoing, challenges persist, especially with the ageing infrastructure that contributes to such issues.

“Some of the leaks are caused by ageing infrastructure,” he said.

“For those leaks, the city has a pipe replacement programme which is being rolled out.”

Mashigo added that the metro has a master plan for water network replacement, which entails replacing worn-out water pipelines in a phased approach using an Infrastructure Management Quality System.

Ward Councillor Cindy Billson voiced her frustration regarding the metro’s response time in repairing water leaks.

She noted that in Ward 70 leaks reported over two weeks ago remain unaddressed, while in her own ward, some issues have persisted for over two months.

Billson mentioned specific instances of delayed repairs, including a water leak on Ireland Avenue in Eldoraigne, which was reported on January 30 but was only addressed in mid-March.

“Another leaking water meter reported in January was finally fixed at the beginning of March.”

She said there is still, however, an unaddressed leaking water meter in Kort Street in Eldoraigne that was reported in January.

“Even when some of the water leaks do get fixed, the reinstatement of the pavement or road remains a problem,” she said.

Billson highlighted another instance from December last year, where a significant leak was fixed near Eldoraigne High School, yet the road was never reinstated, leaving the area unsafe for residents and motorists.

“Getting paving, pavements, and tar roads reinstated after a water leak shouldn’t be this difficult,” she added.

Adding to the concerns, Wierda Park resident Greg Heynes expressed his frustration about the slow response to water leaks in his area.

“It’s incredibly disheartening to see the same leaks reported time and time again without any action taken.”

He said that they often have to wait for weeks, sometimes months, for issues that should be addressed immediately.

“The water just sits there, causing damage not only to our properties but also to the roads. It feels like we are being ignored, and our concerns aren’t being taken seriously.”

In February, Wierda Park Ext 2 resident Thandi Mkhize also shared her experience regarding a leak in front of her home on Gansbaai Street.

“Last year, on December 4, a neighbour reported leaking water in the street, which happened to be in front of my gate.

“Nothing happened until December 25, when municipal workers came on site, but they left after digging a hole and placing yellow barricades,” she added.

Mkhize expressed her frustration at the lack of follow-up.

“I thought they were coming back, but it never happened, and that’s when my woes began.”

She described the ongoing difficulties in accessing her property due to the inadequately addressed leak.

“After weeks, I noted they came and drew some lines around the rubble and left again. The problem still stands as I reach out to you with hopes that something will be done.”

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