According to eye witnesses, the stop tap was used for the first time in four months on last week Wednesday, to allow a contractor to repair a diesel line that runs very close to the leaking water line.
Contractors on site speculated that a qualified plumber could repair the leak in less than half an hour.
"The municipality is aware of the leak and has also informed TNPA, who advised that they are attending to the matter. In terms of the Municipal Water Services By-law, TNPA is responsible for repair of the leak, as the leak is on the distribution network on the TNPA’s side of the water meter. Mossel Bay Municipality’s responsibility ends at the water meter," the Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz, told the Mossel Bay Advertiser.
Dr Gratz added that there have been no complaints regarding low water pressure from the area surrounding the harbour.
"The municipality cannot shut down the water supply at the water metre, as there various tenants, including the NSRI, who would be affected.
"Water is a scarce resource and the municipality urges all consumers to repair leaks immediately," Dr Gratz added.
TNPA Harbour Manager Ms Tandi Lebakeng told the Mossel Bay Advertiser the TNPA is aware of the water leakage and has taken steps to ensure necessary repairs are made. The leakage requires services of a professional, hence a contractor was appointed to replace the old pipe system at Vincent Quay.
"The work done by the contractor was, however, not satisfactory and hence the water leakage still persists. The Port is currently in dispute with the contractor, but we are doing our best to resolve the impasse as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Port staff are keeping the main valve shut and only open it when the need arise for short periods to avoid water wastage. It is in our interest and our customers to ensure that repairs are done as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted water supply when required," Ms Lebakeng added.
Whilst several harbour users have repeatedly reported a continuous water leak of at least four months to the necessary authorities, the stop tap a mere couple of meters away was allegedly only closed on Wednesday 19 November for a few hours when private contractors had to do repairs on a diesel line in close proximity of the fresh water leak.
ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
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