Kinross loses clean water during crisis
While certain areas in Bethal have been without water since December and towns in GMM have been experiencing little to no water, the thousands of litres of clean water wasted in Kinross raise concerns in a time when there are water restraints.
While water levels are at a critical low in the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM). Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential purposes to allow reservoir levels to recover.
Thousands of litres of clean running water are wasted and running down roads in Kinross.
The Ridge Times received a complaint from a resident about water gushing out of a tap at the old Kinross Golf Club. It would appear that the tap fitting was vandalised.
Upon investigating, the leak had already been fixed, and where the tap was is now welded closed.
However, there are more areas, residential and business, where clean water is wasted and continuously flows down the streets.
A resident told the Ridge Times about a leak on the corner of Joel and Market streets coming from the water meter that was reported many times.
The water leak was noted on a community WhatsApp group in November.
“The GMM came out, but fixed nothing. It has been like this for many months. A trench had to be dug so the water could go into the road,” said the resident.
The leaking meter’s water flows down to the corner of Bank Street.
Besides the meter leaks, water spews from the reservoir on Joel Street, flowing over to Park Street, then down to Bank Street.
Sometimes the water spill is light, like when the Ridge Times visited, but according to residents and business people, it gushes on some days.
According to business people in the area of Park and Bank streets, the overflow from the reservoir has been problematic for more than a year, and there are constant leaks.
ALSO CHECK: Govan Mbeki Municipality hosts LED forum in Secunda amid R7b debt crisis
“We have been fighting water leaks for a long time. Talking does not help, reporting does not help. It’s a lost case. The overflow of clean running water is damaging our roads, causing huge potholes and precious clean water is being lost,” said a businessman.
The Biebelbom Nursery School had to place boulders on the pavement of its premises because of the flooding, as motorists drive on the pavement, endangering the lives of little ones having to access the school’s facilities.
A business near the reservoir had previously flooded from the overflow.
“The trench was dug so that the water does not come into the property and damage the building foundation. Clean running water is constantly coming from the reservoir,” said the businessman.
GMMs spokesperson Donald Green said the municipality is committed to preserving water resources, especially during the current crisis.
ALSO CHECK: Bethal residents are left dry for 43 days while Secunda’s Ext 22 is on day 17 and counting
Kinross reservoir (Joel and Park streets)
The overflow is primarily due to a failure in the mechanical level-control system. The ageing infrastructure and high-pressure surges from bulk supply lines often compromise older telemetry and valve systems.
“We are prioritising the installation of automated inlet control valves and an upgraded telemetry system to monitor levels in real-time and prevent overflows. Technical teams will perform the necessary repairs on the valves,” said Green.
He said preliminary assessments confirm a damaged overflow/pilot valve is the likely cause, though they are checking for secondary infrastructure damage.
“We are reconciling meter readings to determine the volume of water lost daily. Reducing these non-revenue losses is a priority,” said Green.
The ageing pipe networks and the high pressure required to maintain supply to high-lying areas lead to frequent bursts and valve failures.
Residential meter leak (Market and Joel streets)
“The GMM is aware of the leak. It has been logged as a priority for the maintenance team,” said Green.
He explained that any leak at the meter or on the street side is the responsibility of GMM. Leaks inside the property boundary after the meter are the responsibility of the resident.
Old Kinross Lapa/Golf Course
“The leak was caused by vandals. While the building is under-utilised, a minimal supply was maintained for fire safety and basic maintenance. However, given the risk of vandalism, we are evaluating total decommissioning of the water connection at this site,” said Green.
