On June 27, 2023, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate began emergency repairs on a 535mm diameter water pipeline in George Street, Ottery. As a result of the repair work, a significant portion of the southern Cape Flats experienced widespread water supply disruptions.
Delays Due to Safety Concerns
The repair process faced delays due to safety concerns, particularly the need to remove and reroute a medium voltage cable near the operation area. In order to address the leak, the City’s Maintenance Team had to shut off the Bulk Water Main, affecting numerous areas in the region. These areas included Pelican Park, Eagle Park, New Horizon, Peacock Close, and Pelican Heights, among others.
Water Tankers Dispatched
To provide water for domestic consumption, water tankers were dispatched to the areas without water. However, the City managed to reroute water supply from the Mandalay pipeline to Strandfontein, San Remo, and Bay View areas, albeit at a lower pressure, thereby reducing the number of locations requiring water tankers.
Efforts to Reroute Water Supply
The Regional Team also made efforts to reroute water supply as far as reasonably possible within their network, though at a lower than normal pressure. City officials urged residents to be patient during this period and to minimize their water usage to alleviate strain on the limited water supply. They also advised residents to switch off their geysers to avoid any damage or loss when they experienced low water pressure or no water supply.
Mayoral Committee Member’s Explanation and Gratitude
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, explained that the delays were due to the Energy Directorate having to remove and reroute a medium voltage cable to ensure the safety of the repair team. He expressed regret for any inconvenience caused, particularly to Muslim residents whose preparations for Eid-al-Adha would be affected.
Councillor Badroodien also praised the efforts of subcouncil managers and councillors for keeping their communities informed about the ongoing situation. He expressed gratitude to residents who cooperated and reduced their water usage, which resulted in less demand for water tankers in the affected areas.
Coordinated Efforts of the City and its Communities
These collective efforts play a critical role in ensuring a reliable water supply for the residents of the southern Cape Flats. As the repair work continues, the City is making every effort to ensure that the water tankers reach as many of the affected communities as possible. The tanker locations are assessed in consultation with local councillors, a testament to the coordinated efforts of the City and its communities during this challenging time.
