The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has announced essential maintenance work to take place from the 13th to the 15th of July. The work aims to enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure for the benefit of its residents. While the planned work may cause some disruptions in water services, the City expresses regret for any inconvenience caused.
Areas Affected by Shut-Offs
The maintenance work will focus on pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements in various areas. Lower Observatory, Black River Park, Valkenberg Hospital, and the Research Centre will experience a test shut-off of the main water supply from 10:00 until 12:30 on Thursday, 13 July 2023. Welgedacht Estate will undergo a test shut-off from 21:00 on Thursday, 13 July 2023, overnight until 04:30 on Friday, 14 July 2023.
Minimizing Disruptions and Water Discoloration
The City has carefully planned the maintenance work to minimize disruptions to water supply services. All sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades occur are construction sites and are off-limits to the general public. However, the duration of the work may extend due to unforeseen complexities. After the restoration of water supply, residents may notice discolored or milky water due to trapped air in the pipes. The water’s appearance will return to normal if left to stand in a glass for a short period.
Staying Informed and Preparing for Disruptions
To stay informed about the maintenance work and locate water tankers when necessary, residents are encouraged to follow the City of Cape Town’s official Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts. Preparing for these planned water supply disruptions is essential. Residents are advised to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers for use during this period. Additionally, keeping taps closed is recommended to prevent water loss and potential damage once the water supply is restored.
Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Short-Term Inconvenience
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate aims to ensure the continued provision of high-quality water services to its residents by undertaking this critical maintenance work. Despite the short-term difficulties that may arise from these disruptions, the long-term benefits of improved water supply infrastructure will significantly outweigh them.
