EC municipalities must stem tide of costly water leaks

Adripping tap or a leaking pipe may seem like a minor inconvenience but if not attended to immediately, could have serious implications. A recent report by finance MEC Oscar Mabuyane revealed that the Eastern Cape in 2017 lost slightly more than half of its water due to leaks, run-down infrastructure and illegal water connections. In simple rands and cents, the loss equates to a staggering half-a-billion rand.

Water is a precious commodity for parts of the province still severely affected by the low dam levels. When taps run dry, the consequence are dire and could impact food security. AgriEC chairman Douglas Stern earlier this year said some farmers were forced to scale down operations due to the drought. The national government is still closely monitoring dams in the Eastern Cape – particularly those with alarmingly low levels.

It is a concern that the province is losing so much of its water resources, especially if it can be prevented.

Municipalities often run campaigns encouraging residents to use water sparingly and to deal with leaks and drips immediately. However, some of these municipalities do not heed their own advice.

The Daily Dispatch last month published complaints of Buffalo City Metro residents who claimed reports of water leaks simply went unattended. Concerned he might be slapped with a massive water bill, a Buffalo Flats resident has been calling the municipality every other day for a month about a leak at the water meter outside his home. He has had no joy with getting actual help, only being told he would be “reimbursed” for the water leakage.

A Mdantsane resident said a pond had started forming close to her front door. Plumbers told her it was a municipal issue. She too has had trouble getting a BCM official to visit her property. Their stories are similar to dozens of others that regularly feature on our news pages. In the Mabuyane report, it was stated that water losses in BCM last year amounted to R100m. Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa in June said R144m a year should be invested to “renew” water infrastructure in BCM.

If municipalities want to stem losses, it needs to be proactive in dealing with drips and leaks instead of turning a blind eye. Every drop counts.

In the Mabuyane report, it had stated that water losses in the BCM last year amounted to R100m