HUNDREDS of litres of clean water have been spewing into Combretum Street in Wavecrest, Jeffreys Bay since January this year.
This despite numerous complaints from concerned residents.
According to resident Sandy Pio, a steady stream of clean water, which comes from Noorsekloof Street and spills into her property, had been a problem for more than a decade.
However, the problem suddenly escalated when an overgrown erf at the back of her house was cleared last year and building commenced at the beginning of the year.
“The water came gushing through my property – as well as that of my neighbours – leaving the grass soaking wet for several days,” says Pio. “Flowers died and washing had to be hung with gumboots on.”
Pio says that after contacting the Kouga Municipality numerous times, a team was sent to install drainage pipes from the property in Noorsekloof Street though her property – directing the water to the street and into the stormwater drain.
“It took six men a week to dig a small trench and lay the plastic pipes,” says Pio.
The next step is to install underground pipes, that will allow the water to directly flow into the stormwater system.
“Problem solved? No!,” says Pio. “The water is still going to waste.
“It is ridiculous considering the water situation and the municipality constantly telling us to be water smart.”
According to her, it is unclear where the water comes from. “After initial tests we were told that it is municipal water, however, we were also informed that it can be spring or borehole water.”
Infrastructure and Engineering Portfolio Councillor Bryan Dhludhlu says, “Initial tests indicated that it was groundwater. However, follow-tests were done which indicated that there was chlorine in the water and that it is, therefore, most likely municipal water.
“The challenge is finding the location of the leak. A municipal contractor was on site on Monday to determine how best to proceed. It is uncertain, however, if this work will be able to continue during the lockdown. If not, locating and repairing the leak will be prioritised as soon as the lockdown has been lifted.”
