The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has scheduled a comprehensive planned maintenance work for the water supply infrastructure in several areas, including Bellville CBD, Triangle Farm, Bellville South, Labiance, Greenlands, Glenhaven, and Stikland. This article provides information on the scope of the maintenance work, its purpose, and how residents can prepare for it.
Scope of Maintenance Work
The maintenance work entails various pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements, aiming to improve the overall service delivery and benefit customers in the long run. An urgent dummy shut-off will be conducted on the main water supply pipeline to assess the most effective way of minimizing the impact during the actual shut-off. This exercise will include replacing faulty control valves and rerouting alternate water supplies where possible.
Purpose of Maintenance Work
The maintenance work contributes to the directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance program by ensuring a secure future water supply. It also addresses unaccounted-for water issues and prevents potential problems.
Information for Residents
Residents in the affected areas should consider the following points during the maintenance period:
- The timing of the maintenance work has been thoughtfully planned to minimize disruption to the water supply and provide a smooth transition for customers.
- All sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted are considered construction sites and are strictly off-limits to the public to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
- Maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than anticipated, which could result in the work taking longer than expected. In such cases, residents will be informed, and necessary steps will be taken to minimize inconvenience.
- Upon restoration of the water supply, the water may appear discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. It is safe for consumption, and residents should allow it to settle in a glass.
Preparation for Maintenance Work
Residents are advised to prepare for the planned water supply maintenance by doing the following:
- Store an adequate amount of water in clean, sealed containers for use throughout the maintenance period. It is essential to ensure that the containers are sanitized and correctly sealed to prevent contamination.
- Keep taps closed to prevent water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored. Sudden pressure changes can lead to leaks and pipe bursts.
Information Updates
Residents can follow the official City of Cape Town Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts, for updates on maintenance work and information on the location of water tankers (if needed).
The city appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the residents during this crucial maintenance period, which ultimately contributes to a sustainable and reliable water supply infrastructure for the future.
