By Zinhle Bhuda
A resident in the west of Pretoria has raised concerns over ongoing pipe leaks that repeatedly flood her home—sometimes with raw sewage—especially during rainy weather.
Constance Munyai, who lives in Extension 6 in Atteridgeville, says the sound of rain has become a source of anxiety for her and her family. For nearly a year, Munyai says they have been dealing with a persistent water pipe leak that frequently floods their yard. Despite reporting the issue multiple times, she claims the municipality has only provided temporary fixes that fail within weeks.
“It is not nice living under such conditions,” she said. “We report it to our local leaders, but they do not do anything about it. It feels like we are being ignored, and the damage to our home just gets worse.”
The flooding has already caused significant damage. Munyai says the family has been forced to throw away some of theirbelongings after they were ruined by water.
The frustration is echoed by neighbours. Gladys Khobe, who lives nearby, says she regularly witnesses the challenges faced by the Munyai family.
“I see what they go through every time,” Khobe said. “It is not right. No one should have to live like this, watching dirty water rise to their doorstep.”
However, local ward councillor Mr Victor Rambau (ward 68) denied receiving any complaints about the issue when approached for comment.
“I was not aware of the issue, but I will assessit,” he said. “I urge community members to follow the correct procedures to report these matters so they can be processed and handled correctly.”
Munyai insists that the problem goes beyond a simple water leak. At times, she says, the flooding includes raw sewage, creating a hazardous and unsanitary environment.
“This leak worries me every time, especially when it rains, because our home is at risk of flooding,” she said. “Sometimes it is sewage, and it floods the whole yard. We have to walk through it. I have children who play around the house, and I am terrified that they will get sick.”
Living under these conditions has taken a toll on the family. Munyai says she has repeatedly tried to raise the alarm, but her calls for help have yet to result in a permanent solution.
