Kimberley water pipeline filling amid sweltering temperatures

WHILE temperatures are soaring just below the 40 degree Celsius mark and residents have been left without a water supply since Sunday night, Sol Plaatje Municipality has promised that the water supply will be switched back on this evening.

Spokesperson for Sol Plaatje municipality Thabo Mothibi reported that Eskom has finished repairing the 133 kV line and is now running a one‑hour test before reconnecting it to the grid.

"The Riverton Water Treatment Plant has resumed pumping, but because the bulk pipeline is empty, water supply to Kimberley will only be restored from 6pm after the line from Riverton to Newton Reservoirs is filled," he said. 

Residents are asked to be patient as crews work through the heatwave. At the time of writing, the temperature was 38 degrees Celsius with extreme UV levels and a high risk of dehydration

Heatwave coping tips when water supply is limited

Prioritise drinking water – use any stored bottled or safe water for hydration; aim for at least 2 L per person per day.

Use ice packs or frozen water bottles – place them on pulse points (wrists, neck, behind knees) or in front of a fan for a quick chill.

Limit heat gain – keep curtains, blinds and shutters closed, especially on sun‑facing windows; seal gaps with tape or cloth to block hot air.

Stay on the lowest floor – heat rises, so ground‑level rooms stay cooler. If you have a basement or cellar, use it for rest periods.

Dress for heat – wear loose, light‑coloured, breathable fabrics; a damp cotton shirt can provide evaporative cooling.

Cool the body directly – take quick, cool (not cold) sponge baths, or splash water on skin and let it evaporate; even a small amount of water can help.

Avoid heat‑generating appliances – turn off ovens, stoves, and unnecessary electronics; cook with a microwave or eat ready‑to‑eat foods.

Seek community cooling points – public libraries, shopping centres, community halls, or churches with air‑conditioning often open their doors during extreme heat.

Check on neighbours – especially elderly, children, and those with health conditions; share any spare water or ice you have.

Use alternative cooling methods – place a shallow pan of water in front of a fan, or use a wet cloth on a ceiling fan (ensure it’s secure) to increase evaporative cooling.

Plan for water resupply – store any rainwater you can collect, and keep a small emergency supply for drinking and essential hygiene.