The City of Cape Town is just over 60 hours into its three-day operation to do essential maintenance on the Cape Flats bulk water supply network. Good progress is being made on site. During this time residents in affected areas are asked to please only use the water they really need to help maintain the water pressure in their areas until the supply becomes normal.
The Water and Sanitation Directorate teams on the ground are working around the clock to complete the maintenance work on the bulk water pipeline and recharge the network when ready.
Water supply to affected areas is being monitored closely.
To date, the 1800mm diameter valve has been replaced and a section of the pipeline connected to it is being slowly recharged with water in a safe manner to expel air in the pipeline to avoid consequential pipe bursts.
Work on the 1500mm diameter valve and 1200mm diameter valve are at different stages of progress, and nearing the final stages before these sections of the pipeline can be recharged with water.
‘While the work on the Cape Flats bulk water supply network is being done, we are calling on residents to please help us maintain the supply in their areas by only using the water they really need. The more water you use, the lower the water pressure will be for your neighbours. Let’s continue to use water for essential purposes only while work is taking place so that we can get through this together. We are almost there, just a little bit more patience is all we are asking,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Work started early hours of Friday morning. If all goes according to plan, the water supply should start normalising by the early hours of Monday, 19 September 2022.
Water supply disruptions
Water supply disruptionsAreas should please send a WhatsApp to our Water Contact Centre on 060 018 1505 if you don’t have water in your area.
Areas that should have no water are Pelican Heights, Peacock Close, and Schaapkraal. We have stationed water tankers in these suburbs.
Residents should expect low water pressure in Browns Farm/Philippi, Eagle Park, Grassy Park, Khayelitsha Site C, Hanover Park, Lavender Hill, Lotus River, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Muizenberg, Mxolisi Phetani, Ottery, Parkwood, Retreat, Seawinds, Steenberg, Strandfontein, Surrey Estate, Vrygrond, Wetton and Zeekoevlei.
Thank you
‘The City appreciates the patience of our residents during this very trying time. As we previously indicated, this shutdown operation is the first of its kind and extent in the City. While every effort was made to ensure that our plans accounted for as many eventualities as possible, this unfortunate impact earlier experienced was entirely unexpected.
‘We are very grateful to our teams for the work they’ve done in redirecting the water supply systematically, and bringing relief to affected residents. We are also equally grateful for the patience displayed and cooperation from our residents in the affected areas,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Information
InformationOn how to use water wisely, and use greywater or other alternative water safely, especially during the period of this shutdown visit: www.capetown.gov.za/savewater
For updates on this maintenance operation, follow the City’s Twitter account @CityofCTAlerts, WhatsApp to 060 018 1505, email water@capetown.gov.za or call 0860 103 089.
