The Kimberley Prospector

Shocking discovery reveals that years-long leak has created a makeshift “pool of death” as the pipeline supplying Kimberley bleeds into the veld.

Kimberley resident, Henry Meier, has exposed a shocking state of disrepair on the Riverton Pipeline, a crucial water supply line for the city of Kimberley. Meier’s discovery of a major leak, used as a community swimming pool by local youth, reveals a story of neglect and potential danger.

“These kids were posing on the exposed pipeline, in a pool of water meant for the city,” Meier exclaimed. Satellite imagery exposed a shocking truth: the “death pool,” as some might call it, formed in 2021 and has been a dangerous fixture for over three years – a stark contrast against the thirsty suburbs relying on the Newton Reservoir.

Further investigation reveals an even more alarming picture. This major leak is just one of many that have plagued the Riverton Pipeline for years. Satellite images show the transformation of the arid Kalahari landscape around the leaks into patches of green – a testament to the vast amounts of water seeping into the environment instead of reaching Kimberley homes.

The earliest signs of leakage date back to 2006, with the problem escalating dramatically since then. As many as 12 major leaks were recorded in 2012 alone. To this day, precious water continues to be lost, potentially contributing to the elevated water levels at Kamfers Dam.

This isn’t just a story of wasted water. It’s a story of a hidden crisis, exposing the risks to the community and raising questions about the management of Kimberley’s vital water infrastructure.