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“I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of water. There was water in my bedroom.” So, describes Igshaan Noordien, a District Six resident after a water pipe burst in his bathroom.
Noordien, who is wheelchair-bound, explains that at 01:00 on Tuesday 20 February, he had to seek help from his neighbour as his entire house was flooded.
This comes merely a week after People’s Post reported that the District Six phase three development houses were “fraught with problems” (District Six claimants lament ‘shoddy workmanship’ of phase three development, People’s Post, 20 February 2024).
Noordien explains: “My room was full of water, when I opened the bathroom door water was gushing out of the pipe behind the toilet pot. I was afraid to switch on the lights because I thought water and electricity together were unsafe.”
Noordien thanked his neighbours for coming to his aid.
“I managed to get to the door and called my neighbours and they were quick to respond. They were more concerned about me and my safety. I am thankful for them.”
According to the residents, burst water pipes occur frequently.
Reggie Ngcobo, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), said the engineers discovered the problem was caused by a “higher than expected water pressure” on the bulk service line that supplied the development.
“To date, in order to reduce the water pressure; an agreement has been reached with the City of Cape Town (water and sanitation department) to assist with relocation and installation of a new bulk meter.”
According to Ngcobo, the relocation is expected to be completed by the end of March.
However, according to Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation, this is not the case.
“The bulk meter relocation request has been received by the City, but the process cannot commence while there are still outstanding requirements to be met by the developer. The City continues to engage with DALRRD to come to a resolution and help to better serve the residents.”
Responding to queries on whether proper building inspections were executed before the occupation, Ngcobo said the department and the City conducted the building inspections and approvals “in compliance with relevant regulation”.
“There are latent defects observed at the development, which are being managed with remedial works and provision of safety conditions with the appointed service providers and should be finalised timeously,” said Ngcobo.
Chris van Heerden, senior foreman at H&I Construction - the building contractor at the development, said they are in the process of “attending to the snag list” regarding the development.
Responding to queries on when transfer letters would be handed over to the homeowners, Ngcobo said the department constructed 108 dwellings of which 48 are free-standing houses and 60 Apartments.
According to him, three of the 48 free-standing houses have been transferred and nine are “currently awaiting rates clearance schedules from the City of Cape Town” to finalise the transfers.
He said: “The balance of 36 is delayed by a range of issues such as the completion of Addendums, submission of marital status affidavits, and Letters of Authority. We are closely working with the beneficiaries to ensure that documents are submitted and that the conveyancers can proceed with the transfers.”
Ngcobo further claims: “In respect of the 60 apartments, the department is finalising the appointment of the service provider to attend to the amendment of the building diagrammes.
“The department remains committed to fixing all the problems faced by the people of District 6.”
