Municipality says sorry for water woes

SOL PLAATJE municipality has apologised for the inconvenience suffered by city residents due to the recurring water problems.

In a statement made to council yesterday, executive mayor Mangaliso Matika regretted the water interruptions.

“Everything possible is being done to address it. Unfortunately, a combination of factors are complicating a speedy resolution. We ask society to bear with us until the issue is resolved.”

Matika indicated that construction of the new pump station at Riverton was on track.

“We are installing a complete new pump house with new high-capacity pumps to take over the tasks of these old ones. We have been busy with a complete overhaul of the water management infrastructure to avoid a recurrence of the problems currently being experienced.”

Matika added that new extraction pumps, installed isolation valves at Newton, installed zone meters and pressure relief valves had been installed.

“Currently we are also replacing old pipes at the reservoir. Our ultimate aim is to have a completely new and modern infrastructure that will meet the demands of our citizens.”

He added that after the original pipe burst was discovered at the Riverton waterworks on Monday last week, during an inspection on the 965 millimetre main line that feeds the Newton Reservoir, a team was dispatched to address the matter.

“At the time there were no other problems with the purification works and the reservoirs were full to capacity.

“Thereafter a process of excavating the site was undertaken, the supply via the mainline was shut in order to drain the pipe. It was not possible to work on the pipe as it was full of water and the leak was at the bottom of the pipe and difficult to access. By Thursday last week it was repaired and pumping had recommenced.”

Matika explained that due to a drop in the level at the reservoir to about 7.9 feet because of the dwindling supply, the water was cut to rebuild reserves.

“By Saturday everything was on track with reserves having reached around 14 feet.

“On Sunday morning the number 10 pump at Riverton had a problem, which is said to be bearing related. It has been taken in for repairs and should be operational by Monday afternoon. The effect of this is that two pumps instead of three are pumping water from Riverton to Newton, creating a new risk to reserves.”

He advised that certain actions were necessary to limit the supply when the levels dropped.

“Fortunately, levels are being maintained at around 13 feet on Monday (yesterday) morning.” – Sandi Kwon Hoo