Metro unaware residents buying materials to repair pipes
Despite claims by local councillors and residents, the metro insists it provided all necessary tools and equipment needed for pipe repairs in Waterkloof Glen.
The Tshwane metro says it is unaware that residents in Waterkloof Glen were forced to buy their own materials to fix a series of burst pipes earlier this month.
However, Ward 47 Councillor Lida Erasmus, who was standing in for Ward 83 Councillor Andrew Lesch at the time, sent a message in the community group thanking residents for stepping in with supplies and tools.
Erasmus confirmed that residents in Tolstoi Street had to source their own pipe connectors.
She also said she personally called her husband to deliver a four-pound hammer to break concrete that was obscuring the pipe.
In the message to residents, Erasmus thanked residents who contributed and bought materials.
“Thanks also to the two residents who bought some pipe connections to assist, and the residents who assisted with lights tonight.”
She further praised metro workers who stayed on site until late, but made it clear that residents filled in where municipal services fell short.
The pipe reportedly burst four times in the same spot, just above the original repair site, and seven times in total over the first weekend of May.
Lesch said the situation was unacceptable and unfair to residents.
“It’s not right for ratepayers to fund infrastructure with their taxes and then still be expected to buy materials out of pocket,” Lesch said.
“The teams need proper oversight. Someone should be checking whether they have the correct tools and materials before they leave the depot.”
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro is not aware of residents buying materials for repairs.
“The city is not aware of residents purchasing materials themselves,” he said.
He added that technical teams are always dispatched with the necessary tools.
Mashigo explained that the full extent of damage often isn’t clear until the pipeline is exposed, which can affect the materials needed.
However, he maintained that the metro has internal storage stocked with essential components, and that daily checklists are in place to ensure maintenance teams are equipped.
“All maintenance teams have daily checklists, which ensure that they have all the necessary tools and equipment required for maintenance before they can travel to the sites.”
When asked about recurring pipe bursts, Mashigo said the metro has embarked on a programme of replacing aged infrastructure.
He added that currently, critical areas are being prioritised, which will be followed by other aged infrastructure that is less critical across the metro.
“There are teams dedicated to areas with critically aged infrastructure to ensure that water leaks are attended to timeously.”
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