Water waste in Potgieter Street
Review has received numerous complaints from residents saying there was a water shortage in the city, but the municipality was found to be wasting water in Potgieter Street by opening the fire hydrant on Thursday.
POLOKWANE – Review has received numerous complaints from residents saying there was a water shortage in the city, but the municipality was found to be wasting water in Potgieter Street by opening the fire hydrant on Thursday.
Matshidiso Mothapo, a municipal spokesperson said the municipality was busy repairing broken water pipes in the area.
“Members of the public are encouraged to observe that when a fire hydrant is open, there should be officials in the vicinity as this is a required process during the fixing of pipes. In the event of a pipe burst or any maintenance done on pipes, the valves must be closed in order to cut the flow. After repairing the pipe, the flow must be reopened and because there is a vacuum in the pipes if the water is allowed to run without clearing that vacuum, the pressure of the air will constipate the lines, resulting in more punctures along the line and depriving the public of the essential service,” Mothapo explained.
He added that this was the same process as when brake fluid is replaced in a car.
“Bleeding of the air must happen. It is only when the air is out of the tubes that the braking system will operate efficiently and there is no damage.
“The technicians on site will determine how much water has to be bled out of the system, however they always have to ensure they do not bleed out more than what can be considered wasteful. It is not a pleasant, yet a necessary and standard procedure to undertake,” he said.
The public can call the municipality’s water section to report any misuse of water or any suspicious activity related to water usage at (015) 290 2376.
