Eldoraigne pipeline project shifted to August, says metro

The much-anticipated Eldoraigne Water Pipeline Replacement Project has once again experienced a change, with the Tshwane metro now announcing that work is scheduled to begin in August.

This follows months of delays caused by budget constraints, while concerns from residents over persistent leaks and deteriorating water infrastructure in the area continue to grow.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo recently said that construction is now set to start on August 4 and is expected to conclude during the first week of November.

“There were challenges with budget limitations, which resulted in the reprioritisation of works. Suburbs with the most critical pipelines were given high priority,” said Mashigo.

Despite the delay, he emphasised that the scope of the project remains unchanged and will proceed as originally planned.

“Currently, there are no adjustments to the scope. The project will be implemented as planned.”

Mashigo also acknowledged the risks associated with not replacing ageing infrastructure.

He said the Department of Water and Sanitation maintains a risk register that evaluates these risks, including pipe bursts, potential health hazards due to contamination, and damage to nearby infrastructure.

“The city is fully aware of the associated risks,” he said, confirming that the city is currently facing a backlog in replacing its ageing infrastructure.

“As a result, the city is focusing on critical single-pipe replacements rather than upgrading entire networks, due to limited funding.”

Mashigo noted that the metro is also assessing the potential costs of inaction, such as increased maintenance and emergency repair expenses, to build a case for additional funding both internally and externally.

He said contingency plans are in place to mitigate risks associated with the ageing system.

“The pipes that are more prone to breakages and have been repeatedly repaired are prioritised for replacement to reduce the risk of bursts and leakages.

“[This] causes unplanned service interruptions as well as property and infrastructure damage.

“In areas with high pressure, interventions such as the installation of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) are implemented to minimise the risk of pipe bursts or complete failure of ageing pipes.”

Mashigo added that during the construction period, temporary water supply arrangements will be put in place to minimise disruption for residents and businesses.

This project was originally scheduled to begin on January 13 and aimed to address frequent leaks and deteriorating water supply infrastructure in Eldoraigne.

At the time, Mashigo confirmed that the planned work included replacing 271m of pipeline in Kern Street and 629m in Colin Road.

He had also said the work would be completed by March 19. However, in a March update to Rekord, Mashigo confirmed that the project had not yet begun, again citing budget limitations.

“The project has not yet started due to budget constraints; however, it is listed in the budget adjustment awaiting approval,” he said.

Mashigo then indicated that, pending approval, the metro expected work to begin in the second week of April.

Residents have long expressed frustration with the state of water infrastructure in Eldoraigne.

Monzenique van Wyk, a resident of Eldoraigne Ext 3, previously told Rekord that she was disappointed by the frequent and prolonged leaks in her neighbourhood.

“I often see water leaking in the same area for days, and I wonder why these issues are not addressed promptly,” she said.

Van Wyk added that she found it disheartening to witness ongoing water waste, especially when residents are making efforts to conserve water.

Ashley Smith, another Eldoraigne resident, welcomed the planned upgrades and expressed hope that the project would bring about long-term improvements.

“I truly believe this initiative will significantly help residents in the area,” she said. “Not only will replacing the old pipes reduce the frequency of leaks, but it will also improve the overall water quality we receive.”

Smith added that many families in the area have been struggling with low water pressure and unreliable supply due to the deteriorating infrastructure.

“With new pipes in place, we can look forward to a more reliable and cleaner water supply.”

Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson has also voiced concern over the metro’s delayed response to water leaks in the area.

In a previous interview with Rekord, she highlighted the impact of outdated infrastructure on service delivery.

“In Ward 70, leaks reported over two weeks ago remain unaddressed, while in my ward, some issues have persisted for over two months,” she said.

Billson cited specific examples, including a leak on Ireland Avenue reported on January 30 and only repaired in mid-March.

She also said that a leaking water meter reported in January was only fixed in early March, while another leak in Kort Street seems to remain unattended.

Billson criticised the metro for failing to reinstate roads and pavements after repairing leaks.

She said a major leak near Eldoraigne High School was fixed in December, but the road was never restored, posing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians.

Despite these frustrations, Billson expressed optimism about the pipeline project.

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

Billson noted that the community has long suffered from frequent water cuts and inconsistent service due to the ageing system.

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

She stressed the environmental and financial importance of the project, adding that reducing leaks would conserve water and save the metro money on repeat repairs.

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

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