While the city’s taps remain dry on day five of the planned water shutdown, heavy rains caused widespread damage throughout the city over the weekend as residents also got their first bite of chillier weather as the winter season approaches.
HEAVY rains caused widespread damage throughout the city over the weekend as residents also got their first bite of chillier weather as the winter season approaches.
Many residents spent the night trying to scoop water out of their flooded homes following heavy rains on Sunday.
Many roads in the city were also flooded, while those who braved entering subways were left stranded.
Revelation Road
Residents in Revelation Road were knee-deep in water, with all their belongings once again suffering water damage.
“We never slept at all and more rain is on its way. We are also still waiting for our previous flood claims,” said the residents.
They stated that the Tlageng dam wall was still bursting and that it had yet to be repaired.
Pescodia and Floors
Pescodia and Floors residents also had to flee their homes due to widespread damage.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said electricians were responding to a series of power outages on Monday morning.
“There were 11,000-volt cable faults in half of Southridge and Kimdustria, as well as outages In the CBD – parts of Phakamile Mabija Road and the area around Boston College, Roodepan – Sunset Manor and Galeshewe – parts of Retswelele, Newtown and Number 2,” said Mothibi.
He confirmed that a number of households had been affected by Sunday’s heavy downpour.
“Residents are encouraged to call our call centre number 053 830 6111 or toll-free number 0801 229 010 for the electrical department to respond to all reported faults,” he advised.
Samaria Informal Settlement
The Samaria Informal Settlement on the Boshoff Road also did not escape the deluge, with the area turned into a mud bath flooding homes and drenching their meagre possessions.
Water Shutdown Update
Mothibi said that the heavy rain had slowed down repair work related to the five-day water shutdown, but he did assure residents that the city’s water supply would be restored on Monday evening.
“The four major leaks that were the source of excessive water losses on the bulk water supply pipeline have been successfully repaired and will boost production. It will place us in a better position to end the nightly water supply interruptions.”
He indicated that the filling of the pipeline would commence at noon.
“All the scours between Riverton and Midstation in Roodepan were closed on Sunday night.”
Mothibi stated that water tankers would continue to distribute water until the water supply was fully restored.
