Nightly water cuts return to Kimberley as Newton Reservoir levels hit critical low

THE RETURN of nightly water interruptions is set to frustrate Kimberley residents after Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi confirmed that water supply will again be shut off overnight to stabilise critically low reservoir levels.

According to the municipality, levels at the Newton Reservoir have dropped to just eight feet, prompting the reintroduction of nightly water supply interruptions from 9pm to 4am, effective immediately. Mothibi said the measure is necessary to rebuild storage levels and ultimately restore an uninterrupted supply.

Mothibi said the decision follows an unexpected setback after several months of uninterrupted supply, caused by an Eskom power failure on Sunday night that disrupted operations at the Riverton water treatment plants.

The power failure halted pumping to the Newton Reservoir from Sunday night into Monday afternoon. To prevent further depletion of the reservoir, pumping into the distribution network was also temporarily stopped.

Mothibi acknowledged the impact on households, noting that some residential areas are experiencing low water pressure or possibly no supply while the bulk pipeline continues to build up sufficient pressure.

In response, the municipality has dispatched what it describes as a “high-profile team” to the Riverton water treatment plants, both old and new, in an effort to maximise production and accelerate recovery.

The nightly interruption programme will be reviewed on Friday, after which further communication will be issued to residents.

Despite the unpopular return of scheduled water cuts, the municipality has appealed for patience. “We extend our sincere appreciation to all residents for your understanding and support in our effort to restore the six-month-long uninterrupted water supply,” Mothibi said.