ABERDEEN NEWS - Residents in the top part of Aberdeen have had no water during the day for two weeks, and barely a trickle at night.

Those affected include elderly folk and families with babies.

Since the Eskom power outage two weeks ago, the entire town has had periods without water or very low water pressure daily.

Resident only received information from the municipality when Ward Councillor Rudy Jacobs stated on the local WhatsApp group on Friday 13 September that there would be no water the following morning due to maintenance work.

Two water tanks in Parliament Street, which were installed about six years ago, are leaking, apparently due to corrosion from chemicals that have to be added. They are due to be replaced with a concrete dam, but in the meantime, large plastic tanks have been put inside the metal tanks.

One evening, a resident was horrified to see the tops of the tanks bobbing up and down, apparently floating on the water in the metal tank. "This crisis could have been avoided with proper administration and maintenance," said local property owner Colleen Ogilvie. "We pay the same taxes as Graaff-Reinet, but shoulders are shrugged with the comment 'there is no money'".

Water flowing down Hope Street on Monday morning. Photos: Sue Shaw

On many days, a strong flow of water is seen running down Hope Street, originating from the municipal workshop. According to a resident of the street, this has been a regular occurrence during the four years she has lived there. "This is an absolute disgrace," said Ogilvie. "Especially when residents have to save water and are penalised if they waste water."

Jacobs reported on Monday that an electrician installed float switches, and that the timer of one pump is out of order. Jacobs was promised that the timer would be replaced on Wednesday morning.

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