Residents of Soshanguve are outraged over a week-long water outage caused by a burst pipe, demanding immediate action from the City of Tshwane.

The water outage affects areas including Soshanguve Blocks VV, XX, A and B, as well as Soshanguve South Extensions 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 19 all serviced by the Kruisfontein Reservoir.

The City’s regional team detected the burst 1000mm asbestos pipe on June 14 and swiftly isolated the leak, exposing the damaged section to prevent further water loss and enable repair preparations. 

However, residents have since taken to social media to criticise the municipality for not taking their water shortage struggles seriously.

One resident said: “It is like they are playing games with our lives. My child got sick from tanker water. They say we will have water in a week? The only solution is a strike.”

Residents reportedly took to the streets on Saturday, blocking the R80 highway to vent their anger and frustration over the persistent water outage. 

Others have threatened to barricade the R80 highway and M17 route with burning tyres on Monday.

“Forget about the water tankers, just fix the pipe. We need water urgently,” one resident snapped.

The City has apologised for the inconvenience, citing the complexity of the repairs and the need for highly specialised fittings not found in their standard inventory. 

Despite the challenges, the City reported that crucial materials needed for repairs have arrived at the site, including custom-manufactured couplings essential for connecting the old asbestos pipe to a newer steel one. 

On Sunday afternoon the City said its teams worked through the night to tackle the complex task and completion is expected later on Sunday.

“One side of the pipe was successfully joined this morning and work is currently under way to secure the second side. Completion is expected later today,” said the City.

Residents are urged to avoid the immediate repair areas for their own safety and to allow the teams to work without interruption. 

“Safety remains a top priority for both workers and community members. Water tankers continue to provide interim relief in affected zones. While the interruption was unplanned and unintended the city sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused,” the City said in a statement.

Water tankers, according to the City, continue to provide interim relief in affected areas.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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