Residents drown in frustration as water pipe bursts

Pollack Park has had its fair share of water woes as a large water pipe burst on Tuesday.

The water pipe, which feeds most of Pollack Park including Netcare N17 Hospital, has rendered people waterless until they have found a solution to the problem.

Ward 74 Clr Thulani Simelane says there is a suspicion of illegal mining activities within the area.

“As the TLB continues to excavate the water from the storm pipe, the investigation will continue to ascertain the cause of structural damage and we will update the residents.”

The metro’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, has stated that they are not yet sure what has caused the pipe to burst and disconnect on the weld.

“We suspect it may have been caused by ground movements.

“This pipe offset which was made of HDPE pipe has been holding well for the past two years.

He also addresses the concerns surrounding the possibility of illegal dumping happening within the area.

“We will be investigating and [when] the culprits are found, they will be fined for this illegal activity.

Dlamini says he is unable to confirm when the pipe will be fixed but they are doing all they can to ensure a speedy process.

“We have engaged two of our service providers to try to speed up the process.

“They are still in the process of getting quotes since we have decided to change this offset from HDPE to a Steel pipe.

“This steel offset will still need to be fabricated and anchored with concrete for stability.

“Arrangements have been made with the N17 Hospital and the landfill site to access water in the meantime while working on the solution.”