City water crisis not over

THE CITY is still not out of the woods yet as water problems continued to plague residents throughout the weekend and many areas experienced a trickle supply and even water cuts.

The majority of water suppliers ran out of stock as residents braved the Black Friday madness to stand in long queues to buy bottled water from supermarkets and water suppliers.

Frustrated residents vented their anger for being without any water in the simmering heat for almost three days.

The supply was restored on Friday evening although further water interruptions were experienced when the supply at the Newton reservoir was switched off on Saturday evening as well as yesterday afternoon.

Pumps at the reservoir were also in need of repairs.

Spokesperson for Sol Plaatje Municipality Sello Matsie (pictured) yesterday explained that the Newton Reservoir was temporarily switched off to allow for an emergency replacement of bearings at one of the pumps which has been damaged at Riverton Purification plant.

“The supply is being restored. The ultimate objective is to prevent a situation of water levels dropping at Newton.”

He added that by yesterday afternoon the levels had risen to about 12 feet.

“To build up water reserves at Newton Reservoir we will reduce supply only at night for a few days during the week. Water pressure will remain low in some areas until the situation has been stabilised.”