Water supply challenges in Soshanguve and Bronkhorstspruit amid maintenance works

Residents of Soshanguve and parts of Mabopane are still experiencing water access issues due to Rand Water's 14-day reservoir maintenance as the City of Tshwane simultaneously undertakes urgent cleaning at the Montana Reservoir.

The city said the cleaning is part of planned maintenance and addresses recent reports of discoloured water in Montana.

The city further said cleaning operations are currently under way and are expected to be completed by Wednesday.

“During this period, the water supply is being maintained through a bypass system to ensure continued service. Preliminary inspections of water samples taken from fire hydrants earlier today show signs of improving clarity,” it said.

On Wednesday, the city’s Water and Sanitation Department shut down the water supply to the Atteridgeville LL Dome Reservoir, according to municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.

He said: “The shutdown is necessitated by the need to install a 400mm bulk meter and associated pipework at the said reservoir. This essential work, which is scheduled to last for nine hours, from 8am until 5pm.”

Residents in Bronkhorstspruit and surrounding areas also had their fair share of water outages due to the City of Tshwane's 11-day planned maintenance at a local water treatment plant.

The affected areas include Bronkhorstspruit, Ekandustria, Ekangala, Rethabiseng, Riamarpark, Zithobeni, and parts of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality due to cross-border water supply.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who visited the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant this week, said the city had initially aimed to complete upgrades by May 16 but finished ahead of schedule.

“These upgrades come as a result of a decision that has been taken after this community has suffered for years by not getting a reliable supply of water.”

She said the council's adjustment budget, passed earlier this year, included provisions to address local water supply issues.

“Community of Bronkhorstspruit, we asked you when we met with you during the imbizo to give us time, and we will resolve this issue. What we are hearing now is that the team has been able to conduct the upgrades, and they are in the final stage of testing, and some of the communities have received water,” Moya said.

The city said the upgrades will improve the performance of the high-lift pumps, ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively.

Residents of the Bronkhorstspruit area protested in March after weeks without water due to a pump breakdown at the water treatment plant, that disrupted water distribution to reservoirs.

Around the same time, the city expressed concern over unauthorised access to the chamber housing - a critical valve that regulates water flow to Ekangala and Rethabiseng townships.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za