Burst Valve Floods Homes in Isipingo Beach
Residents of Delta Road in Isipingo Beach are assessing the damage after a burst valve at the Isipingo Beach Reservoir caused water and sand to flood nearby properties in the early hours of Monday.
The incident resulted in significant flooding and mud accumulation across the affected area, leaving several homes covered in sand and prompting emergency responses from both residents and the municipality.
According to eThekwini Municipality, a temporary repair was carried out while technical teams remain on site to manage the situation. Spokesperson Gugu Sisilana confirmed that water entered the inlet of the reservoir and caused extensive erosion, which made immediate repairs to the main line unfeasible. She added that restoring water supply to the reservoir remains a priority.
A stream of water was first noticed trickling down the embankment as early as Thursday, prompting a report to the municipality by concerned residents. By Sunday night, the flow had intensified significantly.
Local resident Hawa Bi Bi Mahomed, who was home alone at the time, said she feared for her safety as water and mud entered through the back of her property, flooding the kitchen. Having experienced similar incidents in the past, she quickly contacted her family for help.
Her son, Idris Mahomed, arrived shortly after midnight and began digging a trench to redirect the water away from the house. By the early hours of Monday morning, a surge of water from the reservoir had carved through the embankment and deposited thick layers of sand in the yard and on the road. He described the sand as knee-high in some sections.
Idris added that a delivery vehicle was caught in the flood while attempting to pass through what appeared to be a manageable stream of water. The driver lost control as the vehicle became submerged in mud, but nearby residents rushed to assist and managed to get him to safety.
While no structural collapses have been reported, residents say the full extent of the damage will only become clear once the sand has been cleared. Legal advice is also being sought regarding potential compensation claims.
eThekwini Ward 90 councillor Shad Nowbuth confirmed that water tankers were deployed to assist with supply in the interim, and payloaders were sent to clear the roads. He added that residents and businesses had been notified the previous week about maintenance work planned at the reservoir.