The city woke up to dry taps for the seventh day on Wednesday, with many frustrated residents having depleted their supplies. They complained that they were being subjected to a second water shutdown without notice.
THE CITY woke up to dry taps for the seventh day on Wednesday, with many frustrated residents having depleted their supplies. They complained that they were being subjected to a second water shutdown without notice.
It is believed that challenges were experienced with regard to starting the pumps on Tuesday.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said daytime water interruptions would take place from 10am until 4pm from Wednesday, in an effort to boost reservoir levels.
He indicated that the current reservoir levels were insufficient to meet the demand and only permitted for the provision of emergency supplies.
The Newton reservoir levels are:
23 Mℓ Reservoir: 65% (11.07 feet)
45 Mℓ Reservoir: 10% (3 feet)
91 Mℓ Reservoir: 24% (4.11 feet)
102 Mℓ Reservoir: 66% (11.24 feet)
Mothibi stated that the Riverton Water Treatment Plant started to operate at full capacity on Wednesday morning at 2am, amid repair and refurbishment work done on the clarifiers at treatment plant number 2.
“We are now in a position to pump with at least two pumps at Riverton Plant to replenish the Newton Reservoir in an effort to enhance our storage capacity and build sufficient pressure to pump with ease into the distribution network.
“We appeal for patience and trust that our efforts in providing an uninterrupted water supply shall be achieved,” Mothibi concluded.
