Bedfordview has not been spared as taps continue to run dry in various parts of the country.
ALSO READ: Locals urged to close taps during water supply interruptions by CoE
Different parts of the suburb have faced water outages for nearly two weeks. The ongoing water outages have caused frustrations amongst residents and local businesses.
Two local businesses said they were forced to send staff home while residents complained about not being able to take medication, cook, and bathe for days.
On February 24, news of the Linksfield, Senderwood and Morninghill reservoirs running empty started to make rounds. This was affecting Bedfordview, Essexwold, Highway Gardens, Buurendal and Harmelia.
The water supply interruptions are caused by ongoing power outages as well as vandalism to water infrastructure.
Rand Water spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo, on February 23 said they reported vandalism that caused damage to a meter supplying Eden Park.
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The incident compelled Rand Water to conduct an emergency shutdown to replace the valves.
“Rand Water discovered a string of valves that had been vandalised and, therefore, the repair work took a long time.
“We can report that repair work has now been completed. The resultant effect of this vandalism is that reservoirs were severely impacted and several areas are without water,” she said.
After spending an entire weekend without water, the matter continued into the new week when residents soon found themselves without water again.
Rand Water blamed yet another vandalism incident on its Germiston water supply infrastructure.
ALSO READ: Locals warned about declining water supply due to power failure and heatwaves
In the meantime, Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said the resolution of the matter depends on the level of vandalism and sabotage. She has assured residents that water outages are over.
She said the system takes about two days to fill, which is why it is so difficult when Rand Water can’t pump.
“Yes, tap water is safe to drink. I’m told the tanker water is also safe but I generally request people to boil it.
ALSO READ: CoE residents urged to use water wisely
“The cholera scare came from a polluted river that is nowhere near Bedfordview.
“Everyone is advised to stay away from all our rivers and certainly not to consume water from them,” said Humphreys.
On March 2, a water tanker had been placed on Van Buuren Road.
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