ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OBSTRUCTION OF MUNICIPAL SERVITUDE PREVENTS REPAIRS TO BURST WATER PIPE AT VERULAM CBD
EThekwini Municipality wishes to inform residents and businesses of an ongoing water supply interruption affecting parts of Verulam and surrounding areas due to a burst water pipeline.
The incident involves a 375mm diameter asbestos cement (AC) pipe located on Ireland Street, Verulam.
The City’s Water Operations team has identified the fault, however, repair work cannot commence as municipal officials and repair teams are currently being prevented to access the pipeline servitude where the burst has occurred.
The servitude has been obstructed by a development that has been constructed over the municipal pipeline servitude. Since last week, the Municipality has made several attempts to engage with the owner of the development to secure access to the site.
Unfortunately, these efforts have been unsuccessful. The owner has refused municipal officials access to the property and has further obstructed entry by positioning a vehicle at the site entrance.
As a result, no repair work is currently taking place, and the Municipality remains unable to undertake the repairs required to restore water supply to affected areas.
The City is pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal processes to obtain access to the servitude and resolve the situation as urgently as possible.
The affected areas include:
* Verulam CBD
* Rydiah Township
* Tampe Valley
* Parts of South Ridge
The Municipality acknowledges the significant inconvenience experienced by residents and businesses who have been without water for the past four days.
While efforts to secure access continue, water tankers will be deployed to provide relief to affected consumers.
Further updates will be communicated as developments arise.
For water-related queries, residents are encouraged to:
• Download the eThekwini Municipality mobile app
• Send a WhatsApp message to 073 148 3477
• Call 080 311 1111
• Email Eservices@durban.gov.za
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
