VEREENIGING – Residents in parts of Three Rivers (Emfuleni Local Municipality) and Risiville (Midvaal Local Municipality) are grappling with low to no water pressure following the collapse of a key pipeline over the Klip River.

According to Ward 1 councillor Dalene Venter, this aging pipeline is the main supply line that feeds water from the Amanzimtoti Pump Station in Sonlandpark to reservoirs serving all of Three Rivers and a section of Risiville. “The pipeline was originally constructed on pillars over the river, but over the decades, those supports have collapsed, leaving the pipe suspended—and vulnerable,” Venter told Vaalweekblad.

Recent flooding might have weakened the structure further, likely due to driftwood impacts. A recent tear has worsened the situation, leading to ongoing leaks and a significant drop in water pressure. Though emergency repairs have been attempted, the damage keeps recurring. “They fix one section, and another part starts leaking. The pipe is simply too old and too damaged to be patched up endlessly,” says Venter.

Built 50 to 70 years ago, the pipeline has reached the end of its life. Venter says she flagged the issue two years ago, recommending full replacement. However, budget constraints at Emfuleni and Metsi a Lekoa have prevented a permanent fix.

Two long-term solutions are now being considered: either building a bridge to support a new pipeline—though this raises concerns about theft and vandalism—or tunneling 8 meters underground to install a protected cement-and-metal pipeline.

Venter has called on the municipality and Rand Water’s Section 63 Intervention Team to prioritise the project. Discussions and proposals are expected at the next council meeting. “The root of the problem is aging infrastructure, a lack of maintenance, and unchecked development that’s outpaced service delivery,” she concluded.