Sol warns city to brace for five-day water shutdown

WHILE residents have been advised to store sufficient water for the period from May 29 until June 3, they have also been warned that the scheduled water shutdown will neither be the first nor the last of its kind in the city.

Sol Plaatje executive mayor Martha Bartlett said a major leak repair operation would take place during the city-wide shutdown, which will run from next Thursday at 6pm until June 3 at 8am.

“Leaking valves will be replaced and 16 leaks will be repaired on the 600-millimetre and 900mm diameter pipes along the main bulk pipeline,” she said.

“Since April 2024, when R2.5 billion in grant funding was received from the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI), 11 of the total 27 leaks have been repaired to curb immediate excessive water losses. Other leaks that developed since the last shutdown will also be repaired.”

Bartlett urged residents to make the necessary provisions to reduce high water demand during the planned supply interruption.

“The non-essential use of water during the interruption is highly discouraged.”

She stated that JoJo tanks would be placed at 54 sites across residential areas, while over 20 water tankers would be deployed throughout the city.

“We plead with residents to desist from vandalising or stealing the JoJo tanks, as they are meant to provide much-needed relief. Strict surveillance will be enforced with the assistance of the South African Police Service. Anyone who steals or vandalises these assets will be arrested and prosecuted.”

She added that three raw water abstraction pumps at the Vaal River would be serviced, while two clear water storage tanks at the old Riverton Water Treatment Plant would be de-sludged and disinfected.

“Sludge build-up has affected the quality of treated water. Electrical work to be conducted includes the installation of high-voltage circuit breaker switchgear and the connection of a new 10 megavolt amp (MVA) transformer, also at the old plant.”

Bartlett noted that the 900mm diameter bulk pipeline would in the future be replaced with a larger 1.2-metre diameter pipeline from Riverton to the Newton Reservoir.

“The first batch of pipes was delivered with the launch in February, and about 16 kilometres of pipe has been procured. The pipe manufacturing project is valued at R285 million and the installation at R241 million. A total of R492 million will be spent in the current financial year on the project.”

Municipal manager Thapelo Matlala warned that the city should brace itself for further shutdowns as part of efforts to improve water infrastructure.

“The situation is improving - in the past year we have not had any unscheduled water interruptions,” he added.

He advised anyone planning a wedding, funeral, or event next week to ensure they have sufficient water.

“This is especially important if cattle or sheep are to be slaughtered.”

He said it was “unfortunate” that a group of Riverton community members attempted to disrupt the project, as they wanted to be employed on the site. 

“A contractor has been appointed to deal with leaks in the water reticulation system. A database has been created to benefit residents in the area, and the community liaison officer will engage with them on future BFI projects.”

Matlala added that 7,500 smart water meters would be installed in the city.

BFI programme manager Lucky Moyahi indicated that corrosion had occurred where the 900mm pipe needed to be replaced.

“Major electrical upgrades will be undertaken. The connection of the 10 MVA transformer will act as a back-up and prevent the need to shut down the entire plant during future shutdowns. The installation of pressure valves will regulate water pressure in the network and prevent pipe bursts. New pumps will also be installed at the Riverton water treatment plant.”