FOLLOW-UP: Leaks delay filling of Northmead water tower
Ward 27 Clr Lorenette Joseph is confident that repairs have been completed and that the tower's filling can commence.
The 23m-tall Northmead water tower, located on Hospital Road and holding 5.5ML, should solve the city’s water problems.
Construction has taken six years, with mid-December being earmarked to be into full service. However, leaks identified at the base and kicker of the tower during the testing phase temporarily halted operations.
“After completing filling of the tower, the augmented system will play a crucial role in ensuring residents have access to over 36 hours of water supply should interruptions occur in service,” said Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph.
“Leaks being detected in the structure was a setback, but we have been informed the waterproofing work has been done with the re-testing process to start on January 6.”
City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed the service contract with the contractor commissioned to the project, holds the company liable to complete repairs on the structure for 12 months.
The project was handed over to the city’s operations team.
“Cleaning and sterilisation protocols have to be followed before testing on the structure can commence,” she said.
“We will refill the tower. In the event of leakages during the testing process, the existing water systems are equipped to redirect water into the current towers. This ensures no waste and that waterproofing measures can be implemented promptly.
“If all goes as planned, we are optimistic that the water tower will be fully operational before the end of January.”
Further upgrades
Dlamini said the project was not finished yet.
“The capex project to upgrade the pump station is currently in the planning stage. However, the city has implemented various interventions to address the current water supply challenges in the area,” he said.
“A 500kva backup generator was installed, as well as full sets of pumps and motors.
“The pump station operates with two sets of duty pumps and one standby pump. The telemetry system was also replaced, and a newly installed battery backup will ensure the telemetry system is not interrupted during power outages.”
Dlamini stated the city’s water system has shown significant stabilisation since implementing these interventions.
“Bursts on the pipe network continue to receive urgent attention,” he said.
“Once all other capex projects are complete and the construction of a new bulk water pipeline from the tower to
Brentwood Park, ongoing water-related issues should be a thing of the past.”
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