Planned Water Supply Maintenance in Gugulethu and Nyanga: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The city of Cape Town is set to carry out essential water supply maintenance work in Gugulethu and Nyanga on August 1, 2023. This maintenance work is part of the city’s efforts to improve and maintain its water infrastructure, ensuring a reliable and effective water supply for its residents. Although the city regrets any inconvenience caused by these disruptions, it emphasizes its commitment to the long-term benefits of the maintenance.

Timing and Duration of Maintenance Work

Between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 1, the main water supply to Gugulethu and Nyanga will be temporarily shut off. The shutdown is necessary to allow the maintenance team to connect the water supply network and restore settings following changes made to accommodate a stormwater pipeline upgrade. As a result, some areas may experience low water pressure, while others may have no water supply during the maintenance period.

To minimize the impact of the maintenance work on residents, the city has carefully chosen the timing of the shutdown. The city strives to schedule maintenance work at times that cause the least disruption to the water supply. However, residents should be aware that all sites undergoing water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are considered construction sites and are off-limits to the public.

Possible Challenges and Precautions

It’s worth noting that sometimes a maintenance task can prove more complicated than anticipated, which could cause an extension of the duration of the disruption. Residents may also experience some discoloration of the water shortly after the supply is restored. This discoloration results from trapped air in the pipes but will clear up if left to stand in a glass for a short period.

To stay informed about the maintenance work and receive updates on the location of tankers, if applicable, residents are encouraged to follow the City of Cape Town’s Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts.

Preparing for the Maintenance

To prepare for the planned water supply disruptions, residents are advised to take the following steps:

1. Store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers to use during the disruption period.
2. Keep all taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when the water supply is restored.

Maintenance work can be inconvenient, but it is a vital aspect of ensuring a reliable water supply infrastructure for the residents of Gugulethu and Nyanga. Through careful planning, clear communication, and adherence to safety precautions, the City of Cape Town aims to complete the maintenance work efficiently and with minimal disruption to the community.