In a metro with aging infrastructure, water leaks are bound to be an issue, especially since Nelson Mandela Bay is still in the grip of a crippling drought and cannot afford to lose its last bit of water through leaks.
They can also be a headache as some residents are sent into a frenzy or state of panic and immediately call the municipality when they see a leak on their property.
However, the municipality is not responsible for the repairs of all leaks, as there are certain limitations as to how much they can do and where.
During a recent information session, the metro’s director of Water Distribution, Joseph Tsatsire, took it upon himself to explain exactly how the repairs of water leaks work, and the responsibility of residents when it comes to fixing leaks, as some are not aware of the correct process.
According to Tsatsire, when it comes to water leaks and water meters, the responsibility of the municipality ends at the boundary of a property as you enter the yard.
He explained that a water meter is usually located in the left or right corner of the property and there, at the meter itself, is where the municipality’s responsibility ends.
“Taking it from the meter into the yard, that is the responsibility of the consumer. The only exceptions are those residents that are registered with the Assistance to the Poor (ATTP) programme in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Obviously, the indigent policy of the municipality is to assist everyone that has got a leak within the property [for the ATTP consumers],” he said.
Tsatsire reiterated that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and its employees are strictly not allowed to work beyond the meter, inside the property. If they do so, they should be reported by the residents.
“This is deemed irregular, and if anybody else from the municipality insists on working inside the property and demands payment from the consumer, they must be reported by calling 0800 20 5050,” he said.
In the meantime, the metro has been continuing with its intensified water leaks repair programme, with more than 75 000 already repaired and approximately 400 to go.
MMC for Infrastructure and Engineering, Dries van der Westhuizen, said that hotspot wards would continue to be targeted daily by designated contractors, with the help of the ward councillors, to fix reported water leaks.
“The water leaks that need repairs continue to be a moving target but we are pleased that we have managed to bring the outstanding leaks to below 500,” said Van der Westhuizen.
He added that the metro continues to face challenges where some residents don’t know how they can report water leaks, and what the role of the municipality versus that of the property owner is in this regard.
“The municipality is responsible for fixing damaged and leaking water meters, water service pipes and the main water pipe. All water supplied by the municipality to a consumer must pass through a water meter, with the aim of measuring the volume of water used monthly.
“As a water meter is installed at a point between half-a-metre to one metre inside the property’s boundary, residents must, according to municipal by-laws, ensure that the water meter is accessible to the municipal official for meter reading, and routine maintenance,” he said.
“Residents are urged to refrain from disconnecting water meters from the installed pipe, or connecting an additional pipe on their water service pipe, as this is illegal and you will be charged in terms of the by-laws for tampering with a water meter and municipal infrastructure.
“The municipality is not responsible for fixing water leaks beyond the owner’s water meter, as this is regarded as private infrastructure and must be maintained by the owner,” he emphasised.
“Consumers can contact a plumber of their own choice, and at their own expense, to fix any leaks beyond the water meter. All materials used must comply with municipal standards and must be JASWIC (Joint Acceptance Scheme for Water Services Installation Components) approved materials.”
Residents are encouraged to report new and old leaks on the NMBM website or by calling 0800 20 5050.
Emails can also be sent to waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za.
