NMBM drastically reduces outstanding water leaks, urges property owners to fix leaks within their properties
Published: April 12, 2023<< BACK TO NEWS
Following months of intensified water leaks repair work done by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, more than 75 000 water have been resolved with the total of outstanding water leaks to be repaired currently at 444 as at 11 April 2023.
NMBM Infrastructure and Engineering Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Dries van der Westhuizen said daily, hotspot wards will continue to be targeted by designated contractors with the help of the Ward Councillors to fix reported water leaks.
"The water leaks that need repair continue to be a moving target but we are pleased that we have managed to bring the outstanding leaks to below 500 now. We will continue to fix the reported leaks and we encourage residents to report new and old leaks on the NMBM website, by calling our toll-free number 0800 205050 or sending an e-mail to waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za,” said MMC van der Westhuizen.
He added that the Metro continues to be faced with a challenge from residents who are not clear on how they can report water leaks and role of the Municipality versus that of the property owner.
"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 meter to one meter inside the property's boundary, residents must, according to municipal bylaws, ensure that the water meter is accessible to the municipal official for meter reading and routine maintenance.”
"Residents are urged to refrain from disconnecting water meters from the installed pipe or connect 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,” the MMC said.
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 approved materials.
For the Municipality to be able to fix a burst pipe or water leaks beyond the
water meter, residents must be registered with the Assistance To The Poor
programme.
Ends.
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office.
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