According to an Arbor Park resident, the problems with water reticulation began on Saturday evening, 17 December 2022.
With the issue running throughout the week leaving the Newcastle suburb’s residents at the mercy of water trucks, the situation was exasperated on Wednesday, 21 December 2022, after a pump situated at the reservoir in Hilldrop, started giving problems.
According to a notice from Cllr Bertie Meiring, as a result of this, the valve on the corner of Kiepersol and Magnolia streets in Arbor Park collapsed. This resulted in further delays in water returning to the suburb.
While the water was eventually restored to certain parts of the suburb by Thursday, 22 December 2022, other parts of Arbor Park still did not have water.
Ward Councillor for the suburb, Cllr Nathi Ngocobo explained that the situation was agitated when two water pipes burst on Thursday morning, resulting in the Newcastle Municipality having to focus on this issue as well.
“Residents are frustrated, I understand, especially as they are paying for the service. We are currently working on the problem, and it should, would be resolved soon,” he said, assuring that he would update the community as soon as he had further information.
Cllr Faizel Cassism added that the work on the valves and burst pipes was virtually complete, with the municipal staff working as fast as they could to resolve the problem.
“Another factor affecting us is the loadshedding stages, as the reservoir pumps are being stopped, started, so we are not getting enough time to fill the reservoir and get enough water. But I have suggested they (the Municipality) get a generator to resolve that issue,” added Cllr Cassim.
While the problems in Arbor Park are being resolved, Cllr Cassim warned this dire problem would continue to occur throughout the town due to ageing infrastructure and until the infrastructure was replaced. But until then, he assured the municipality would repair all issues that hampered water reticulation.
What are your thoughts on this? Share your views and frustrations in the comment section below.
Comments 1
Promises are made freely. But no action for implementation. Instead of spending millions on security guards and new cars, use that money to upgrade collapsing infrastructure. Politicians actions will determine whether people will vote for them again.