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Media Statement – Emergency Water Shutdown

It is with deep regret that the Sol Plaatje Municipality wishes to inform all residents of the unfortunate and unplanned Emergency Water Shutdown that we have had to implement.

This, emanates from major leaks that have been discovered on the 900mm diameter Sunset Manor (Non-Return Chamber) and at the cross section of the 900 and 600mm diameter chamber at the Midlands pipeline installed in the 1940s in the vicinity of Roodepan.

The Municipality would like to assure residents that we remain committed in addressing the loss of water precipitated by the aging network infrastructure. We have also summoned the services of network and bulk water supply specialists in resolving the current situation and in our endeavour of guaranteeing water security.

We have made strides in addressing production problems at Riverton Waterworks in the recent while and we are now setting all sights on addressing network supply setbacks which are within our five-year plan and based on the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI).

TIMEFRAME OF THE EMERGENCY WATER SHUTDOWN
In having summoned additional capacity and embarking on an immediate course of action, we are aiming to restore water supply on Saturday, 25 November 2023.

The leaking spots worked on are being drained and other workstreams will unfold set on rectifying the leakages and ultimately pumping water into the network.

EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY — RELIEF EFFORTS THROUGH TANKERING
Water-Tankers will be deployed to all wards (areas) with immediate effect.
A schedule is to be communicated on all platforms. Immediate attention will be given to wards (areas) that were first affected in the wake of the implementation of the Emergency Water Shutdown and to the last to experience dry taps.

FUTURE EFFORTS
Into the new year, 2024, over R104 million is being allocated flowing from the BFI grant and set to address fixing of the pipeline and other related shortcomings.

SINCERE APOLOGIES
We appeal to residents and businesses to bear with us and we would like to assure the good people of Sol Plaatje Municipality that this course of action is in the best interest of guaranteeing water security. We are currently on a heartening 98% Blue Drop Status, a significant achievement in our quest of guaranteeing a high quality and sufficient water supply in the immediate future.

In extending our apologies for the short notice and the inconvenience caused, we would also like to point that information will be provided timeously in future with tangible communication plans in place.

Your patience and understanding is highly appreciated and the Municipality commits to keeping all the residents informed during the entire operation.

We Serve,
Issued By: Acting Executive Mayor Cllr, Ms Thobeka Matika
Enquiries:
Communications Manager – Thabo Mothibi on 053 830 6740 / tmothibisolplaatje.org.za / 074 490 4927
Communications Officer- Office of The Executive Mayor Keobakile Musunse Kmusunse@solplaatje.org.za
053 830 6203 / 071 296 8044

Business Hours

Monday to Friday: 07:45 till 16:30

Saturday: 08:00 till 12:00

Lunch Time: 12:45 till 13:30

Cashiers, Water & Lights, Enquiries, Debt Control: Skeleton Staff during lunch