Sol Plaatje reports strong progress as shutdown enters final stretch

THE SOL Plaatje Municipality has provided its final technical update for Day 3 of the planned water supply interruption on Sunday, with its Communications Unit reporting substantial progress at the Riverton Water Treatment Works and along the bulk pipeline infrastructure.

All three raw water abstraction pumps and motors at Riverton have been installed and tested. The protection devices for these pumps are expected to be connected by 11am on Monday.  Cleaning of the clearwater tanks is nearing completion, with the 9ML tank already done and the smaller 2ML tank 90% complete. Disinfection of both tanks will follow on Monday.

The bulk electrical upgrade work - including connections and testing - is now complete. The second clarifier is scheduled for desludging on Monday. At the high-lift pump station, external welding to repair a leak on the manifold is expected to be completed overnight. Internal welding was delayed due to water in the pipeline and will continue until midday on Monday..

Work on the butterfly valve replacement on the 600mm pipeline at Riverton is also nearly finished and is expected to be completed by midnight. A new scour valve on the 900mm pipe at Riverton has already been successfully installed.

Along the bulk pipeline, the installation of the 900mm valve at Midstation near Roodepan is progressing well and should be completed by midnight. Final assembly and bolting of the valve will take place at noon on Monday. The installation of a 600mm valve downstream of Midstation is also set to be completed by midday.

Of the 16 major leaks identified, 10 will be fully repaired on Sunday night, with the final six scheduled for completion by Monday afternoon.

Municipal officials say the shutdown remains on track, with the restoration of the water supply still expected by Tuesday evening.  

Stay with the DFA for ongoing updates throughout the shutdown.