Manenberg residents affected by burst pipe as repairs continue

Manenberg residents were affected by severe flooding after a burst water pipe left sections of Vygieskraal Road and surrounding streets temporarily unusable.

Repairs to the damaged road are still underway.

The flooding stretched from Vygieskraal Road through to Downs Road and into Ruth’s Court, prompting an early morning emergency response on Sunday, January 4.

Ward 30 councillor Deidre De Vos said the City’s first response took place early on Sunday after reports of extensive flooding caused by the burst pipe on Vygieskraal Road.

She said excavation work began shortly after 8am, but due to the extent of the damage, the water supply to affected areas of Manenberg was shut off just after 2pm.

“Residents were informed in advance, and regular updates were provided to the community at two-hour intervals,” Ms De Vos said. “Despite a few peak challenges, communication with residents was maintained throughout.”

She said the water supply was restored shortly after 7pm the same day.

The City’s mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, Dr Zahid Badroodien, explained that pipes can burst as a result of air entrapment, ageing, or ground movement over time. 

He said the City’s water maintenance teams were dispatched as soon as the disruption was reported and worked to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

“The water and sanitation team, together with roads infrastructure management teams, were on site on Sunday, January 4, attending to the issue,” Dr Badroodien said. 

“They first had to drain the flooded area before repairs could be done. Water supply to the affected area was fully restored at about 8pm.”

He said an alternative water supply was rerouted to the area during the repairs, providing residents with water, though at lower pressure. Any residents still experiencing water supply issues can log a service request through the City’s official channels.

A Manenberg resident who wished to remain anonymous said she was affected by the pipe burst as her water was temporarily cut off. 

“We were well informed about why the water was off and the steps being taken,” she said. “Yes, it was an inconvenience, but I understand that these things can happen, and the updates were provided in good time.”

Ms De Vos said water supply has now fully resumed, with the only outstanding issue being repairs to the affected roadway, which are scheduled to be attended to today Monday, January 5.