Water supply difficulties in the area of Majakaneng and neighbouring areas are about to be a thing of the past. On Thursday 12 February the team working around the clock in the area had already repaired 6 of the 12 valves that needed attention. Resulting from this was the need to clean out the pipes which led to the high content of chlorine in the water then, which needed the community not to use the water in the taps at the time the system was being flushed.
The purchase of materials for the repairs and installation of standpipes was done and the work commenced on Friday 13 February. Most of the skilled and semi-skilled workforce was also sourced from the community.
The work of the community Water Forum is has assisted to raise awareness in the area around everyone’s responsibility as well as the need for the technicians and all responsible to be allowed to do their work without impediment, for the good of all.
By Friday 13 February and with the much-needed help of Magalies Water, more of the fault finding work was underway. The first 100 household connections were being investigated for connection faults and leaks. This work is a build up towards the purchase of more materials that will be used for a planned shut down from 1–3 April.
The latest report from the first set of tests have come through and indicated that the water samples tested were clear. In order to be certain, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken a second set of tests and the results thereof will indicate the readiness of the water for consumption.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is also pleased that the community of Makau is also able to access water as at Thursday 12 February, albeit that the boreholes are still delivering water at a lower rate than planned for.
The DWS appreciates the impact resultant from working together with the other role players in ensuring that even as the restoration of water gets underway from the technical point, the community is also taken into confidence and becomes a fitting partner.
The need for education and awareness cannot be undermined and thus the important role that the community Water Forum continues to play must be highlighted too.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
