Water supply interrupted again

HEIDELBERG – Developing on the previous media statements where Rand Water reported the power supply failure at the Eskom substation, the power failure was since repaired on February 8 at around 13:00.

Upon completion of the repairs, Rand Water started pumping full loads and gained good ground towards the recovery of reservoir levels. On February 9 at 07:25, a total power supply failure occurred at the same substation on the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) side.

Rand Water sent out a statement at 13:00 this afternoon, confirming the power supply failure. According to Rand Water, CoE technicians are busy with fault-finding and the expected time to complete the repairs is not known.

The CoE will advise as soon as information about the trip is available. This incident has resulted in a further decline of Rand Water’s reservoirs, like those in Brakpan and Vlakfontein.

Should the restoration of power be prolonged, this may cause Rand Water’s reservoirs to run completely empty and will cause a total reversal of the gains made the previous day.

Furthermore, total water supply interruptions are likely to occur in the following areas: Tsakani, Dalpark, Brakpan, Daveyton, Springs, Etwatwa, Agricultural Holdings Daveyton and other cultural holdings in the area.

As was confirmed previously by the Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM), the interruption in water supply from Rand Water’s side also affects the Heidelberg and Jamesonpark areas.

The LLM confirmed its reservoirs are still running below 10%, which means the entire municipality is being affected by low-water pressure or no water at all.

Communities are advised to use water sparingly. Once the situation has been resolved on Rand Water’s side, LLM noted it will take time to fill up the reservoirs while still providing water to the community, before the system can be stabilised once more.

LLM called on those who have boreholes to help areas that have no water at all.