Rand Water and Eskom will proceed with the second phase of planned infrastructure maintenance this weekend, with reduced pumping capacity expected to cause low water pressure and intermittent water supply in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West.
Rand Water announced that the maintenance programme is scheduled to commence at 7am on Friday until 7pm on Sunday.
The planned infrastructure maintenance follows the successful completion of the first phase between 29 May and 2 June, when Eskom carried out planned maintenance on critical electrical infrastructure to enhance the reliability and stability of the bulk water supply system and ensure its continued efficient operation.
Phase two work includes Eskom's planned maintenance on electrical infrastructure at Rand Water's Zuikerbosch Purification Plant, as well as the completion of cross-connections from old to new pipelines.
During the maintenance period, Rand Water said pumping capacity across its systems will be reduced, with the Palmiet system operating at 78% capacity, the Zwartkopjes system at 50%, and the Eikenhof system at 55%.
Pumping at the Mapleton system will be suspended for 12 hours during the maintenance.
The utility warned that the reduced pumping capacity may result in low water pressure or intermittent water supply in some municipal systems, depending on reservoir levels and water consumption patterns.
“Municipal customers are encouraged to implement appropriate water management interventions and communicate proactively with their consumers,” Rand Water said in a statement.
Areas expected to be affected include the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as the local municipalities of Midvaal, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Lesedi, Thembisile Hani, Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg and Madibeng, together with the Royal Bafokeng Administration.
“Various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.”
Rand Water said it had issued a 21-day notice to affected municipalities, industries and direct customers to allow sufficient time to implement contingency planning and minimise potential water supply disruptions.
The utility also confirmed that the City of Ekurhuleni will use the maintenance window to carry out its own electrical maintenance at the Mapleton Booster Pumping Station on Friday between 8am and 6pm.
According to Rand Water, aligning the maintenance schedules will reduce operational disruptions, improve coordination between the utility and the municipality, and allow the required work to be completed more efficiently.
The utility said it will provide regular updates before and during the maintenance through its official communication channels.
“Rand Water once again thanks all customers and stakeholders for their continued understanding, cooperation and support as it undertakes these critical infrastructure maintenance activities. These investments are essential to strengthening the long-term reliability, resilience and sustainability of the bulk water supply system for the benefit of all customers,” the utility said. – SAnews.gov.za
