Rand Water’s final leg of its planned maintenance programme in Johannesburg kicks off from today with a temporary shutdown of water services that can be expected in parts of the city.
The shutdown is expected to last at least 54 hours and impact water systems including:
• Meadowlands Reservoir and Direct Feeds: Meadowlands (all zones & extensions), Tshepo Themba, Dube, Central Western Jabavu & Ext.1, Mofolo Central & North, Orlando West, Zondi, and Mmesi Park.
• Doornkop Reservoir and Direct Feeds: Dobsonville Gardens, Dobsonville (all extensions), Lufhereng (all extensions), Protea City, Protea Glen (all extensions), Thulani (all extensions), Doornkop(all extensions), Green Village, Slovoville (all extensions), Tshepisong(all extensions), and Leratong Village.
• Bramfischerville Reservoir 1&2 and Direct Feeds: Braamfischerville (all extensions), Mmesi Park, Durban Deep, Sol Plaatjies, and Goudrand.
• Roodepoort Deep: Hamberg, Rand Leases (all extensions), Discovery Ext.9, Georginia, Roodepoort, and Creswell Park.
• Fleurhof Reservoir: Lea Glen, Fleurhof (all extensions)
During a media briefing on Monday, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero explained that as a result of the maintenance, bulk water supply will be reduced and residents should expect low water pressure or outages.
“After maintenance ends and pumping resumes on the 8th of January, the system will not recover immediately. Joburg Water’s infrastructure will require at least seven days to stabilise and recover fully.
“The City, in collaboration with Joburg Water and Rand Water, has implemented extensive operational and contingency plans to reduce the impact of this maintenance.
“Reservoir levels have been managed in advance; response teams are on standby and alternative water will be supplied to affected communities through stationary and roaming tankers during both the maintenance and recovery periods,” Morero said.
He moved to assure that residents will be kept abreast of all developments.
“Communication is a priority. The City and Joburg Water will provide regular updates through councillors’ official platforms and customer notices to ensure communities receive accurate and timely information.
“We have concluded an important meeting with councillors of these areas that are affected and councillors would have started work to communicate directly with communities,” he said.
The city acknowledges the inconvenience and disruptions caused to households, businesses and institutions as maintenance is carried out.
“However, this work is essential to safeguard the City’s long term water security, and we will continue to work with Rand Water and key stakeholders to manage this maintenance – prioritising our residents’ interests,” Morero added. – SAnews.gov.za
