Oudtshoorn Municipality would like to sincerely apologise to residents for the extended water interruption experienced in the Park Avenue area yesterday, which exceeded the time frame communicated to the public.
The water shutdown was part of a planned switchover to a newly installed pipeline, scheduled to be completed by 17:00. Unfortunately, unforeseen complications delayed the work well beyond this time.
The Municipality is currently implementing a vital project to replace the ageing asbestos cement (AC) water pipeline in Park Avenue, stretching from North Street to just beyond Church Street. An external contractor has been appointed to execute the work under the supervision of a consulting engineer. The project is managed jointly by the contractor, the engineer, and the Municipality as the client.
As with many older areas, underground infrastructure presents challenges due to limited or outdated records. Existing services, including stormwater drains, sewer lines, electrical cables, and other water mains, complicate the installation of new infrastructure. Furthermore, all new pipelines must undergo pressure testing and disinfection before being put into service, which adds to the time required for completion.
During last night’s work, a previously undocumented pipeline, absent from all available drawings and not of standard diameter, was inadvertently damaged, causing further delays.
We appeal to the community for patience and understanding as we carry out this essential upgrade to improve the long-term reliability of our water supply network.
Please note: A planned water shutdown is scheduled for Thursday, 3 July 2025, from 08:00 to 17:00 to complete the switchover from the AC to the new uPVC pipeline. The shutdown will affect Park Road (from Van der Riet Street to St John Street) and all households within the block bounded by Park Road and Buitekant Street.
We apologise for the inconvenience and thank residents for their continued cooperation as we work to ensure a more resilient water supply system for Oudtshoorn.
