Experts Not Amused by Damage Brought by Boreholes

Water experts who have been concerned about Gautrain tunnels and underground water systems are not surprised by the damage from illegal borehole drilling on private property above these tunnels, which brought parts of the train system to a halt this week.

- Marizka Coetzer

Water expert Prof Anja du Plessis from Unisa said there had been various reports of illegal boreholes drilled across the city.

"Consumers have turned to install boreholes in an attempt to have some kind of buffer when taps run dry due to ongoing and expanding leaks and pipe bursts, as well as reservoirs reaching critical levels due to demand, which includes water lost before it reaches their taps, outstripping supply," she said.

Du Plessis said the drilling of boreholes was not a new occurrence.

"It is supposed to be managed by the City of Joburg and Johannesburg Water. The increased occurrence of illegal drilling of boreholes has been an ongoing issue, increasing in numbers as the City's water woes continue. Clear leadership and communication are needed from those responsible to enable the enforcement of applicable by-laws," she said.