VEREENIGING – A house in Du Bruyn Nel Street, Sonlandpark, burnt to the ground last week after poor water pressure hindered efforts to extinguish the fire.

“We’ve been living in Sonlandpark for 10 years and have never experienced service delivery this bad,” said a resident, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear. “When the fire broke out, everyone rushed to help. The fire department was called immediately. This is the third house in three years,” the resident added.

The fire truck had to come from Vanderbijlpark, but once on scene, it was found that it didn’t have enough water to put out the blaze. Strong winds further fanned the flames. Residents tried to help using garden hoses.

However, the water pressure in the area was too low, likely due to multiple leaks, and their efforts failed.

The fire truck reportedly drove around Sonlandpark in search of water, but fire hydrants were also dry due to the same pressure issues.

It took around two hours before the fire truck could return to the scene with enough water. By then, the house and all its contents were destroyed.

The incident happened just a day after residents protested against poor service delivery by blocking the main entrance to Sonlandpark at the Houtkop/Waterdal intersection leading into Skippie Botha Street with burning tyres.