Rand Water announces recovery following interruptions

Rand Water has announced its recovery of some load after the explosion at Palmiet Station.

On July 4, three medium-voltage motors that are used to run the pumps exploded and rendered the pumps in Rand Water’s Palmiet Booster Pumping Station inoperable.

The explosion of motors in the said system had rendered several pumps inoperable.

Rand Water has since reported that some load, 200 million litres per day, has been recovered at the Palmiet Booster Station.

This recovery, according to Justice Mohale of Rand Water, equates to a third of the total volumes required for full restoration.

Therefore, he said pumping capacity has improved from the previous 55% reported on Sunday to 70% to date.

“The remaining two-thirds of the required volumes are still a subject of repair works currently underway. The recovery of this load assisted in stabilising parts of the system and improved supply in some areas across the three metros, the City of Johannesburg, City of Ekurhuleni and City of Tshwane,” said Mohale.

In a statement, Mohale said that Rand Water continues to work around the clock to recover the remaining loads and restore the system to full-pumping capacity.

“Rand Water estimates the time of repair and full restoration of pumping capacity to be July 11, 2021. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” he said.

City of Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini apologised to affected residents for all inconveniences caused.
He said the water supply interruptions affected Thembisa, Clayville, Serengeti and surrounding areas.

“Technicians will monitor the supply to Phomolong, Midstream Estate and high-lying areas of Germiston and Bedfordview. Roving water tankers will be dispatched to the affected areas.

The City reminds customers to keep their taps closed for the duration of the interruption,” said Dlamini.