Over the next week Rand Water will be undertaking the final phase of its maintenance project that commenced June 22.
“The main purpose of this extensive and proactive maintenance project is to preserve the quality and integrity of infrastructure,” said Rand Water’s spokesperson Makenosi Maroo.
The final phase will affect the normal pumping at the Mapleton and Palmiet Systems.
Mapleton System
Maintenance work at the Mapleton System will commence on July 26 at 03:00 and has been scheduled to be completed on July 29.
“It is important to mention that there will be no pumping in this system for 77 hours.”
The project will entail connecting the newly constructed engine room to the existing infrastructure as well as final installation work to achieve commissioning of the new disinfection plants.
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In addition, the maintenance work will include the replacement of various valves.
Municipal customers that will be affected by the maintenance work are the cities of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and the local municipalities of Thembisile Hani, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki and Victor Khanye.
“Rand Water’s critical reservoirs that will be affected during the maintenance period are Brakpan, Vlakfontein, Selcourt, Wildebeesfontein, Stompiesfontein, Modder East and Bronberg,” said Maroo.
Palmiet System
The final phase of the project will see a further undertaking of maintenance work at the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant’s Engine Room 2 and will impact the Palmiet System.
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“Maintenance work at Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant’s Engine Room 2 will impact water supply to the Palmiet Pumping Station.
“The work will commence on July 29 at 05:00 and is scheduled to be completed on July 30 at 21:00,” said Maroo.
During this time pumping at Palmiet Pumping Station will be at 76%.
“This implies that 24% of Palmiet’s pumping capacity will be out of production.”
The project will entail providing flexibility at Zuikerbosch Engine Room 2 and replacement of various valves.
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Municipal customers that will be affected by the maintenance work impacting Palmiet System are the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Madibeng Local Municipality.
The critical reservoirs that will be affected during the maintenance period are Klipriviersberg, Germiston, Meyers Hill, Klipfontein, Brakfontein and Hartebeeshoek.
“Rand Water is aware of the concerns that have been raised by its municipal customers regarding the slow recovery period of the systems during the maintenance work.
“Admittedly, there may be short-term inconveniences such as low pressure to no water supply, but the long-term benefits are unparalleled,” said Maroo.
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“It is crucial to highlight that this maintenance work must be completed as scheduled to prepare for the high demand season.”
Rand Water has advises municipal customers that its systems may take up to two weeks to fully recover after the completion of the maintenance work.
“Different areas recover earlier than others due to the design hydraulics of the systems.
“Rand Water has requested the affected municipalities to advise their customers on the extent and the impact of water supply in their respective areas,” said Maroo.
