Rand Water, Eskom and City of Ekurhuleni prepare for weekend maintenance

Rand Water and Eskom will proceed with the second phase of planned infrastructure maintenance this weekend, while the City of Ekurhuleni will use the same maintenance window to carry out work at its Mapleton Booster Pumping Station.

According to the South African Government News Agency, the maintenance programme will begin at 07:00 on Friday and continue until 19:00 on Sunday.

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The work follows the successful completion of the first phase between May 29 and June 2, during which Eskom conducted maintenance on critical electrical infrastructure to improve the reliability and stability of the bulk water supply system.

The second phase includes Eskom’s maintenance on electrical infrastructure at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Purification Plant and the completion of cross-connections from old to new pipelines.

During the maintenance period, Rand Water’s pumping capacity will be reduced across several systems. The Palmiet system will operate at 78% capacity, the Zwartkopjes system at 50%, and the Eikenhof system at 55%. Pumping at the Mapleton system will be suspended for 12 hours.

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Rand Water warned that the reduced pumping capacity could result in low water pressure or intermittent water supply in some municipal systems, depending on reservoir levels and water consumption patterns.

“Municipal customers are encouraged to implement appropriate water management interventions and communicate proactively with their consumers,” Rand Water said in a media statement.

Areas expected to be affected include the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as the local municipalities of Midvaal, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Lesedi, Thembisile Hani, Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg and Madibeng, together with the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

“Various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.”

Rand Water said it had issued a 21-day notice to affected municipalities, industries and direct customers to allow sufficient time for contingency planning and to minimise potential water supply disruptions.

The City of Ekurhuleni will also carry out electrical maintenance at the Mapleton Booster Pumping Station on Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.

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According to Rand Water’s statement, aligning the maintenance schedules will reduce operational disruptions, improve coordination between the utility and the municipality, and allow the work to be completed more efficiently.

Rand Water said it will provide regular updates before and during the maintenance through its official communication channels.

“Rand Water once again thanks all customers and stakeholders for their continued understanding, co-operation and support as it undertakes these critical infrastructure maintenance activities. These investments are essential to strengthening the long-term reliability, resilience and sustainability of the bulk water supply system for the benefit of all customers,” the utility said.