Msunduzi urged to find solution to persistent water woes
The Northern Areas Ratepayers and Residents Association in Pietermaritzburg says the municipality needs to come up with long-term solutions to the persistent water problems.
Some of the residents have had a shortage of supply over the past few days due to burst pipes.
One pipe in Northdale was repaired earlier this week but the problem returned when another pipe became faulty.
The association's chairperson, Jimmy Naidoo, says ageing infrastructure is an issue.
READ: eThekwini dismisses claims of interdict preventing disconnections
"Msunduzi Municipality has not adequately maintained this infrastructure over the years. The typical scenario is that when a pipe bursts the municipality merely replaces the asbestos pipe with a new PVC pipe.
"However, this often leads to subsequent bursts due to increased pressure. Instead of a comprehensive renewal of the entire piping, the municipality tends to apply a patch work solution which is reactive, rather than proactive."
Msunduzi Municipality says residents must be assured that old pipes will be replaced with the new ones.
It says R50 million is urgently needed to begin the process.
