Subject: Petition regarding inadequate water reticulation maintenance and non-replacement of faulty valve in Ward 3
1. Introduction
We, the undersigned residents of Ward 3 within the Ndlambe Local Municipality, hereby submit this petition regarding ongoing water service delivery failures affecting our area.
We formally raise concern regarding:
- Poor maintenance of water reticulation infrastructure in Alexandria Street (ongoing since 2024),
- Constant water leaks that do not receive proper attention, and
- Failure to replace a faulty water valve in Second Avenue
These issues have resulted in repeated water supply disruptions and continued inconvenience to residents.
2. Location of the problems
This petition relates specifically to:
- Ward 3, Ndlambe Local Municipality
- Alexandria Street (ongoing issues since 2024)
- Constant water leaks that do not receive proper attention, recurring pipe bursts, and infrastructure failure
- Second Avenue – non-replacement / failure to replace a faulty water valve
- Surrounding affected households and streets where service disruption occurs – no water at the end of River Street
3. Nature of the problems
A. Alexandria Street – Water Reticulation Issues (Since 2024)
Residents are experiencing:
- Constant water leaks that do not receive proper attention
- Persistent leaks left unattended
- Burst pipes not repaired timeously
- Frequent water supply interruptions
- Low or inconsistent water pressure
- Deteriorating water infrastructure
- Little or no re-instatement after opening of problem areas
B. Second Avenue – Valve Failure
Residents are experiencing:
- A faulty water isolation/control valve
- Non-replacement or delayed replacement of the valve
- Difficulty isolating or controlling water flow during bursts or maintenance
- Extended flooding affecting surrounding households
- Increased risk of repeated infrastructure failures due to inability to properly control the system
4. Impact on the community
These issues are negatively affecting residents by:
- Limiting access to reliable clean water whilst paying for water availability to Ndlambe
- Disrupting hygiene and sanitation
- Increasing reliance on private alternative water sources
- Affecting households, businesses, and local activity
- Causing financial and social strain due to repeated disruptions
5. Previous reporting
We confirm that these issues have been reported through:
- Existing WhatsApp groups but proven to be ineffective
- Letters to Municipal officials with no responses
- Direct reporting by affected residents
However, the issues remain unresolved or continue to recur.
6. Request / relief sought
We respectfully request that the Municipality:
- Conduct an urgent inspection of Bushman’s River Mouth (including Riversbend) with particular emphasis on Alexandria Street water infrastructure (issues ongoing since 2024)
- Prioritise repair of leaks, including constant water leaks that do not receive proper attention
- Replace the faulty water valve on Second Avenue without further delay
- Implement a preventative maintenance plan for the affected area
- Establish an effective problem reporting centre with a responsible and contactable person in charge
- Improve response times to reported water faults
- Provide written feedback and timelines for all interventions
- Ensure ongoing monitoring to prevent recurrence
7. Supporting signatures
We attach signatures of affected residents of Bushman’s River Mouth including Alexandria Street, Second Avenue, and all of Ward 3 in support of this petition.
Please sign our petition by completing the form below:
