The City of Cape Town plans a 72-hour operation beginning Monday, June 24 that will leave some districts without water for three days.
The operation will begin at midnight on Monday and end at midnight on Wednesday, June 26, to perform necessary maintenance on the Cape Flats’ water delivery network.
This will result in 22 areas without water.
Zahid Badroodien, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation, stated that this work will ensure that the City’s pipe system remains in good condition for many years.
“Despite the momentary inconvenience, the long-term benefits are required to ensure optimal service delivery in a growing metropolis. Residents must be aware of what this critical operation entails and what to expect during this time,” Badroodien stated.
The water supply will be turned off for three days in the following areas:
- Wynberg
- Wetton
- Ottery
- Plumstead
- Diep River
- Southfield
- Elfindale
- Heathfield
- Retreat
- Steenberg
- Lavender Hill
- Seawinds
- Vrygrond
- Muizenberg
- Parkwood
- Lotus River
- Grassy Park
- Zeekoevlei
- Pelican Park
- Pelican Heights
- Peacock Close
- Eagle Park
These localities will be affected; however, on the day, surrounding communities may suffer low or no water pressure as the system is balanced to handle the planned closure.
The duration of the water supply disruption is determined by the size and scale of the pipe network, as well as the time required to empty the pipeline so that the repair team may work on it safely.
It would also take this time since it takes time for the pipeline to fill and then build up enough pressure to supply water across the affected network after the operation is completed.
“This shutdown is necessary so that crucial maintenance work can be done safely on an important section of our water supply network, which includes replacing faulty valves,” Badroodien said.
“We do sincerely regret the inconvenience this will cause to many of our residents, but delaying this work has the potential for an even greater risk to our water supply in the near future. It is being done over time to minimise the impact on residents as much as possible,” he said.
“Previously we did work on our bulk water supply network. This time it is on our reticulation network- the pipes that bring water to properties.”
