Categories: News

Planned Water Supply Maintenance: A Meticulous Approach towards Secure Future

Scheduled maintenance for the water supply in Cape Town is to take place from 11th to 15th December 2023 to ensure the city’s future is secure. The Water and Sanitation Directorate has organized the maintenance work to upgrade and repair the water supply infrastructure, including installing water meters, connecting new housing projects to the water network, and repairing and replacing valves and fire hydrants across seven neighborhoods. Although there may be temporary disruptions to the water supply, residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keep their taps closed during the maintenance period.

Scheduled Maintenance for a Secure Future

From 11th to 15th December 2023, the Water and Sanitation Directorate of Cape Town will perform scheduled maintenance work to upgrade and repair the city’s water supply infrastructure. The project will involve the installation of water meters, connection of new housing projects to the water network, and repair and replacement of valves and fire hydrants across seven neighborhoods. Although there may be temporary disruptions to the water supply, this proactive measure is necessary to safeguard the future water supply in the city. Residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keep their taps closed during the maintenance period.

Scheduled Maintenance for a Secure Future

The lifeblood of any city is its water supply. To ensure its continuous and efficient functioning, scheduled maintenance is an absolute necessity. From 11th to 15th December 2023, the city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has planned a series of maintenance works. This proactive measure, albeit inconvenient, has been meticulously strategized to minimize disruptions to daily activities. The ambitious undertaking aims not only to repair and upgrade the existing infrastructure but also to safeguard the future water supply in the city.

There is a range of activities involved in this project, spanning across multiple locations. The work will encompass the installation of water meters, connection of new housing projects to the water network, and repair and replacement of valves and fire hydrants. The neighborhoods selected for this round of maintenance include Fairview Heights, Macassar Village, Southfield, Plumstead, Diep River, Elfindale, and Retreat.

Neighborhood-Specific Maintenance Schedule

Each neighborhood has a specific schedule and set of activities. In Fairview Heights, the main water supply will be turned off for seven hours, starting at 10:00 am on 12th December 2023. This period will be utilized by the maintenance team to install a water meter on the water supply network in the locality.

Macassar Village will witness a ten-hour disruption in their water supply on the same day. This interruption will facilitate the maintenance crew in connecting a phase of the new housing project to the water supply network. The neighboring Shell and Engen garages near the N2 will also be affected by this disruption.

Southfield and Plumstead are also on the list, with Victoria Road, Hobhouse Road, Banier Street, Lourie Street, Monty Road, Corly Road, Renee Avenue, Erie Road, and Tecoma Road in Southfield, and Bramley and Broxburn Roads in Plumstead, experiencing intermittent water supply from 09:00 am to 17:00 pm on 12th December 2023. This break will allow for the repair and replacement of valves and fire hydrants in these zones.

Further Disruptions and Safety Measures

Plumstead, Diep River, Elfindale, and Retreat will also face similar disruptions on 14th December 2023. The main roads affected will be Lympleigh Road, Southfield Road, Gabriel Road, Pluto Road, Silverton Road, and Medway Road in Plumstead, along with Estmil Road in Diep River, Elfindale, and Consort Road in Retreat.

The magnitude of these operations necessitates strategic planning and thoughtful execution. The timing has been chosen judiciously to minimize inconvenience, with the construction zones being inaccessible to the public. It is essential to remember that maintenance work can sometimes prove to be more intricate than anticipated, potentially extending the timeframe of the project.

Preparations and After-Effects

Post maintenance, residents may observe a short phase of discoloration or a milky appearance in the water. This is a result of air trapped in the pipes and will dissipate once the water is left to stand in a glass, returning to its usual appearance.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for these disruptions by storing sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keeping their taps closed to prevent any water loss or damage when the water supply is restored. Regular updates on the maintenance work and the location of water tankers, if required, will be available on the @CityofCTAlerts, the City of Cape Town’s official Twitter handle.

Although the planned water supply maintenance may cause some temporary inconvenience, it is a conscious and necessary step towards ensuring a seamless and reliable water supply for the future. The city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive approach reflects their dedication to preserving and enhancing the city’s infrastructure for the benefit of all residents. The careful organization and completion of this project underline the city’s commitment to its residents and their well-being.

1. When is the scheduled maintenance work taking place in Cape Town?

The scheduled maintenance work in Cape Town is taking place from 11th to 15th December 2023.

2. What is the purpose of the maintenance work?

The maintenance work is intended to upgrade and repair the water supply infrastructure in Cape Town, including installing water meters, connecting new housing projects to the water network, and repairing and replacing valves and fire hydrants across seven neighborhoods.

3. Which neighborhoods will be affected by the maintenance work?

The maintenance work will affect seven neighborhoods in Cape Town, including Fairview Heights, Macassar Village, Southfield, Plumstead, Diep River, Elfindale, and Retreat.

4. Will there be any disruptions to the water supply during the maintenance period?

Yes, there may be temporary disruptions to the water supply during the maintenance period. Residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keep their taps closed during the maintenance period.

5. What safety measures are being taken during the maintenance work?

The construction zones will be inaccessible to the public to ensure safety during the maintenance work. Regular updates on the maintenance work and the location of water tankers, if required, will be available on the @CityofCTAlerts, the City of Cape Town’s official Twitter handle.

6. What should residents expect after the maintenance work is completed?

Residents may observe a short phase of discoloration or a milky appearance in the water after the maintenance work is completed. This is a result of air trapped in the pipes and will dissipate once the water is left to stand in a glass, returning to its usual appearance.

Emma Botha

Recent Posts

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town's toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting…

3 weeks ago

Celebrating Ombuds Day: The Unseen Pillars of Urban Governance

Ombuds Day is here, shining a light on the City Ombudsman, a key figure in…

3 weeks ago

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a…

3 weeks ago

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and…

4 weeks ago

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but…

4 weeks ago

Transforming South Africa’s Tourism Landscape: Patricia de Lille’s First 100 Days

In her first 100 days as South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille has…

4 weeks ago