Vandalism and theft cause water shutdown

Due to an incident of vandalism and cable theft that occurred over the weekend at one of the water pump stations that feeds Eersterantjies and Ventersdorp Road Reservoirs, there is currently a water curtailment. According to Jeanette Tshite, Acting Manager of Communication,    Cables supplying power to water pumps  and motors were stolen for copper and had resulted in the pumping cycle being greatly affected.

“Areas temporarily having low water pressure as a result of vandalism and cable theft on the  Ventersdorp road pump station are areas around Bult, SANDF premises, Miederpark and  CBD. Electricians are on-site to replace stolen cables and equipment and the pressure will  start improving immediately after having additional pumps online,” she said.

As a consequence of the continuous load shedding from the electricity supply utility Eskom, part of the interruptions also affect residents. “Because of these interruptions the  levels at our reservoirs are very low and in some instances, it might affect the water quality in  terms of the colour,” Tshite explained.

Additionally, JB Marks Local Municipality would like to inform residents in Wards 1, 20, 21 and 27 that as a result of the incident that happened on 19 May 2022, where there was an alleged case of poisoning at one of our reservoirs, the level of water at that reservoir is low and is not picking up as we are pumping directly into the network.  As the water goes in, it gets consumed quickly thus resulting in levels that are not picking up.  

To resolve the issues mentioned above and to make sure that there is sufficient water at  Eersterantjies reservoir to supply the following wards 1, 9, 17, 20, 21 & 27 in a sustainable  manner as before the incident of the 19th May 2022. Water curtailment will be necessary for all areas receiving water from that reservoir for a period of at least three days while Eersterantjies reservoir is filled. From yesterday, the 27th of June 2022, until the morning of the 1st of July 2022, water will be curtailed. Ward councillors will identify strategic points where trucks will deliver water to affected areas in the meantime.