In a continuing effort to provide reliable and efficient water supply to the residents of Cape Town, the Water and Sanitation Directorate has planned critical maintenance works on 12-13 July 2023. These scheduled maintenance activities are focused on pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Although these works may cause temporary disruptions in the affected areas, they are essential to the long-term sustainability and continuity of the water supply.
Affected Areas and Schedule
The maintenance work will be conducted in several areas, including Bellville CBD, Triangle Farm, Bellville South, Labiance, Greenlands, Glenhaven, and Stikland. A test shut-off of the main water supply in these areas will commence on 12 July 2023 at 19:00 and last overnight until 13 July 2023 at 04:30. This shut-off is necessary to prepare for the urgent replacement of faulty control valves.
Residents of Land En Zeezicht in Somerset West can also expect lower-than-usual water pressure on 13 July 2023 between 08:00 and 17:00 due to the maintenance team’s replacement of a refurbished control valve at the Helderberg Water Treatment Plant.
Proactive Infrastructure Maintenance
The Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program aims to address unaccounted water issues and ensure the continued sustainability of water supply. As a result, the timing of the larger-scale planned water supply disruptions is meticulously chosen to minimize disruption to residents.
Maintenance Process and Potential Challenges
The areas where work is conducted are considered construction sites and are therefore off-limits to the public. It is also worth noting that unexpected challenges may arise during these maintenance activities, possibly extending the duration of the work.
Temporary Water Discoloration
Following the completion of maintenance, residents may notice discolored or milky-looking water due to trapped air in the pipes. However, this is a temporary issue, and the water will become clear and normal in appearance if allowed to stand in a glass.
Preparing for the Planned Water Supply Disruptions
To prepare for the planned water supply disruptions, residents are advised to store sufficient water for their personal and household needs during the affected period. For updates on the maintenance work and information on tanker locations (where applicable), residents can follow the City of Cape Town’s Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts.
In conclusion, the planned maintenance work on 12-13 July 2023 is crucial for ensuring the ongoing sustainability and reliability of the water supply in the affected areas. While temporary disruptions may occur, this vital work ultimately benefits residents by addressing infrastructure shortcomings and improving the overall water supply system.
