Persistent water leaks across Kariega are not just wasting precious municipal resources, they are damaging roads, frustrating residents, and highlighting critical gaps in municipal service delivery, with Ward 49 alone recording 76 water-related reports and numerous unreported leaks in some areas of KwaNobuhle.
According to the Ward 48 councillor, Franay van der Linde, as of 1 August, Kariega was left with just one water leak superintendent to service the entire town, a dramatic reduction from the municipal organogram’s requirement of five plumbers and three general workers, whilst currently operating with only one permanent plumber, one temporary plumber, and one superintendent.
Whilst residents continue to watch daily water wastage from leaks reported months ago, the disconnect between reporting and resolution has become a costly cycle of patching potholes over underlying water damage, prompting this investigation into current reporting procedures, response timeframes, and municipal efforts to address these infrastructure challenges whilst providing residents with essential information on effective leak reporting.
According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, the NMBM is committed to delivering effective services to the entire Metro community.
“The municipality is fully clued in and acknowledges the concerns of Kariega residents, especially in Wards 48, 49, and 51, where persistent water leaks have become a major source of frustration.”
Soyaya added that the diligence showcased by residents in reporting water leaks is valued, and the municipality encourages continuous collaboration in mitigating water wastage and unnecessary expenditure.
“To ensure an effective response and to follow up on reported water leaks, residents are encouraged to contact our Operations Centre on 0800 20 5050. We are aware that some customers have experienced frustration when calling, hence we also encourage residents to use our email address: waterleaks@mandelametro.co.za,” he said.
Soyaya added, “We have varying response times for different types of leaks. For burst pipes, residents can expect repairs from 24 to 28 hours, and for minor leaks, our target timeframe is up to 10 working days.”
When asked about the impact unattended water leaks have on the municipality’s water expenditure, Soyaya said that the impact of water wastage due to leaks is complex and cannot be quantified, as the pipe diameter, water pressure, and duration all influence the amount of wastage.
He added, “To ensure no water is wasted owing to leaks or unnecessary negligence, we urge residents to visit the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality website for water-saving tips. By taking these simple steps, residents can contribute to preventing water wastage.
“We have, however, had a significant improvement in responding to water leaks. Out of 41 349 complaints, we have resolved 37 413 cases. This leaves us with 3 936 outstanding water leak cases. This progress reflects the municipality’s commitment to addressing water leaks across the Metro,” said Soyaya.
To address the shortfalls in Kariega’s municipal staff, Soyaya said, “The Water Distribution Division is in the process of filling vacancies, including promotions, and on average there is a 30% vacancy rate.
“During the 2024/2025 financial year, about 15 positions have been filled that include plumbers, supervisors, and general workers.”
In filling multiple vacancies as per the municipal organogram, they aim to improve their response time to water leaks and enhance service delivery entirely, ensuring issues from 4 August 2025 raised by residents are addressed more effectively.
“Furthermore, the matter regarding our regular water leak contractor has been resolved; residents can be assured that their water leak reports will be addressed.”
Soyaya concluded, “Recurring leaks in areas like Fairbridge Heights are usually caused by various factors including old infrastructure.
Upgrading old infrastructure is a key priority, which is firmly built into our current and upcoming financial year plans.”
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