Ward 83 residents have intensified their call for improved service delivery, after submitting a formal petition to the Tshwane metro over three longstanding water leaks that they say have gone unaddressed for far too long.

The petition highlights leaks at the corners of Robert Craib and Duvernoy streets, Bruce and Twanette streets, and Tucker and Gary avenues, all of which residents claim have been repeatedly reported without meaningful action.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed the existence and status of the leaks identified in the petition, stating that the metro is aware of all three locations.

“The leaks at Robert Craib and Duvernoy streets, as well as at Bruce and Twanette streets, were resolved on October 15.”

However, the leak at Tucker and Gary avenues in Newlands remains unresolved.

“The team is struggling to locate the leak on site. The leak will be attended to as soon as it is located,” Mashigo said.

Mashigo confirmed that the leaks were first reported to the municipality in September, with each reported once.

He said two of the leaks in Constantia Park and Waterkloof Glen were resolved in October, while the Newlands leak remains outstanding and is still being investigated.

“The repair teams were on site on November 20 to locate and resolve the persistent leak.”

Responding to concerns about delays, Mashigo said the main challenge has been incorrect addresses provided by residents when reporting leaks.

He stated that this makes it more difficult for water and sanitation teams to respond efficiently.

Mashigo added that the metro continues to work to improve turnaround times and relies on accurate reporting to speed up repairs.

“Assessments have been carried out at all three petitioned sites, with two leaks successfully repaired,” said Mashigo.

He added that the metro has long-term plans to replace ageing water and sanitation infrastructure to reduce recurring leaks.

“Maintenance teams are deployed across Tshwane and attend to reported water issues within 48 hours whenever possible.

“Broader service delivery improvements include dedicated maintenance teams and infrastructure replacement programmes aimed at stabilising services across all wards.”

However, Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch disputes claims that incorrect addresses contribute to delays.

“When I escalate things, especially serious ones, I add a photo to it. Many of those things I reported myself.”

He said he always has to repeat the escalations multiple times. Lesch added that the leak at Robert Craib and Duvernoy has been outstanding for an exceptionally long time.

“It’s a valve that’s leaking, and it’s been leaking for a massively long time,” he said.

In their petition, residents expressed frustration over ‘years of poor service delivery’, and called for immediate repairs, regular maintenance checks, and clearer communication from the metro regarding service request timelines.

“These leaks have persisted for far too long, and residents have repeatedly reported these issues without substantial action,” the petition reads.

Residents say ongoing water damage and wastage are affecting their infrastructure and quality of life.

They urged the municipality to take swift action to restore confidence and ensure sustainable water management in the area.

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