Tshwane to replace aging water network in Akasia after community outcry
The primary solution to the issue is the replacement of dilapidated pipe network in areas prone to pipe breakages says metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
The Tshwane metro has highlighted its immediate steps to replace the aged bulk water pipe network in the north of Pretoria.
This comes after residents of Heatherdale and Akasia expressed frustration over a persistent water leak that has plagued the community for over four months.
Regular floods have worsened the leak, and delayed repairs.
And concerns have mounted about the metro’s handling of such recurring leaks.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the metro acknowledged this challenge and has indicated that long-term strategies are being implemented to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
“The primary solution is the replacement of dilapidated pipe network in areas prone to pipe breakages,” said Mashigo.
The recurring nature of the leak has raised concerns about the reliability of the ageing pipe network.
Mashigo said a team has been constituted to address water leaks across ward 2, 4, and 98.
He said the metro is prioritising repairs based on their severity, with significant attention given to those that have caused water shortages or property damage.
Local resident Andre Brink has raised questions about who is accountable for the delays and how the metro plans to ensure that such leaks are handled in a timely manner.
According to the metro, responsibility for the repairs lies with the regional team, which is working to address the situation promptly.
For future incidents, residents are encouraged to report complaints to their local ward councillor, who can liaise with the regional head for faster intervention.
Brink said the metro should drastically improve on its service delivery, response time and taking water leaks seriously.
“The leak has caused major damage to the road surface and millions of [litres of] water have lost in a country that has a serious shortage of water. We are constantly reminded to use water sparingly and wisely.
“It’s a total disgrace, shameful, unacceptable and illicit,” said Brink.
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