The planned outage on the Usutu water pipeline is well underway. This outage is planned for the 20 -31 October 2014 and has started. All prior preparations in this regard have led to a smooth start and operation of the outage over the last two days and continue today, Wednesday 22 October.
This pipeline is older than 27 years and is therefore classified as “ageing infrastructure”. As such the need for regular maintenance to sustain its life-span is consequently of utmost importance. The Water and Sanitation (DWS) is therefore implementing this planned water outage to ensure that this key infrastructure is maintained to sustain the delivery of raw water to users. This is in line with the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS’) mandate that includes regular maintenance of its infrastructure.
In order to assist water users to access water for the duration of this outage, the DWS and relevant municipalities are supplying water through strategically placed jojo tanks within a reasonable distance.
As the work on the pipeline continues in different areas as per the schedule below, the department and municipalities will update the list of areas where other jojo tanks will be deployed to service other water users affected.
The department is confident in the capacity of its workforce engaged in this task and that the work will be completed within the time targeted.
Dates of water supply interruption to various communities are as follows:
- Ermelo Town (south): 23 October to 28 October 2014
- Davel Town: 20 October to 28 October 2014
- Kriel Town: 20 October to 31 October 2014
The department and all stakeholders request patience and cooperation from all who are affected so that the planned outage period is not exceeded. Please consider everyone in the supply system; make storage preparations if possible and use available water sparingly and optimally.
The department apologises for the inconvenience caused; however this planned outage is important for maintenance and sustainability of the infrastructure.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 0828742942
