City water shutdown warning

WHILE residents have been advised to store sufficient water for the period from May 29 until June 3, they have also been warned that the scheduled water shutdown will neither be the first nor the last of its kind in the city.

- SANDI KWON HOO

Sol Plaatje executive mayor Martha Bartlett said a major leak repair operation would take place during the city-wide shutdown, which will run from next Thursday at 6pm until June 3 at 8am.

"Leaking valves will be replaced and 16 leaks will be repaired on the 600-millimetre and 900mm diameter pipes along the main bulk pipeline," she said.

"Since April 2024, when R2.5 billion in grant funding was received from the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI), 11 of the total 27 leaks have been repaired to curb immediate excessive water losses. Other leaks that developed since the last shutdown will also be repaired."

Bartlett urged residents to make the necessary provisions to reduce high water demand during the planned supply interruption.

"The non-essential use of water during the interruption is highly discouraged."

She stated that JoJo tanks would be placed at 54 sites across residential areas, while over 20 water tankers would be deployed throughout the city.