WATCH: Water goes down the drain

ARE you thirsty? Well, thousands of litres of fresh drinking water is flowing down a road in Trafalgar – and it’s free!

Exco Councillor Dave Watson and many other residents, including farmers, have reported the two major leaks in Trafalgar for the last 18 months. Plus another two in Port Edward, near the Inhlanhlinhlu River, for the last six to eight months, but in vain.

Desperate for Ugu District Municipality to take some action and fix the leaks, Cllr Watson said he had no option but to take the matter to the press.

I would never have called you out here if these were new leaks, but this has been going on for far too long. I warned Ugu that I would take this to the media, – Dave Watson

It is estimated that, on the surface level, 2 000 to 3 000 litres is flowing down Trafalgar’s Louis Botha Road every hour. The stream of water then flows back into a nearby stream.

It’s not known how much water is being lost underground or if there are more leaks.

“This is what we see on the surface. How many leaks haven’t been detected?”

Cllr Watson said this highlighted the derelict state of Ugu infrastructure and that there was simply no long term logistical plan to address this.

“This is a double whammy! Not only are we facing a drought but trillions millions of litres of water is being allowed to be wasted. Not only is this an environmental crime, but it has caused structural damage to the infrastructure of the road.”

He said that one could dodge a pothole, moan about the dumping, but nobody could survive when the taps ran dry. “There is no room for error when it comes to water and effluent.”

Cllr Watson believed the problem sat with government, Ugu policy and budget.

“We have the skills and the technical staff are more than capable and dedicated. If we don’t have the skills, we could easily acquire them. It’s up to Ugu Council and the relevant government departments to provide the logistical and financial capabilities to maintain the legal standard,” he said.

He said Ugu only responded when something happened… ‘and then it’s a patch job’.

Cllr Watson also stressed that Ugu did not inform councillors when there were water problems.

There is just no communication. If we were kept in the loop then we could inform or pre-warn the community, – Dave Watson

Ugu spokesman, France Zama, said the municipality, through a service provider, is currently undertaking a pipeline replacement programme in Inhlanhlinhlu River and it was while work was in progress a burst pipe occurred.”Currently repair work of this interrupted pipeline is being undertaken and will be completed before the end of today (Wednesday),” he said.

He said technicians are also currently investigating the leaks in Trafalgar. “Once detected, rapid repair work will be undertaken,” he said.

Mr Zama said the reality of the drought is still upon us and Ugu’s urge communities to continue using water sparingly. They also encourage the public to report water leaks to councillors,

Call Centre on 08000 WATER (92837) or 039 688 5830/36 or SMS 44751. Also customers who have access to social media can report leaks on facebook : Ugu District Municipality.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033