FOLLOW-UP: Water tower filled but still not operational
The tower has been filled to capacity but the augmented system has not yet come into operation.
The filling of the Northmead water tower on January 19 and 20 once again hit a snag and resulted in the tower not being filled to capacity during the designated six-hour time frame.
According to Ward 27 councillor Lornette Joseph, the 23m-tall tower, located on Hospital Road and holding 5.5ML, was filled to 50% but, the process was halted due to a fault on pump two.
City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweili Dlamini did, however, confirm that the filling process was completed on January 23.
“Water pressure dropped and due to the pumps having been switched off to facilitate repairs, water supply was interrupted until midday on January 20,” said Joseph.
“Water-tightness tests will now be conducted over 21 days during which time the water will remain in the tank to identify any leaks or faults. To date, none has been reported.”
Joseph further explained that the next phase of the project will focus on replacing old and outdated pipes feeding Brentwood Park, an area which has been worst hit by supply interruptions.
“Work has already started to replace the pipeline, however, two factors are hampering work,” she said.
“The route where replacement pipes need to be placed is rocky and is slowing down the digging process. Sufficient funds have also not been made available.
“It is hoped that adequate allowance will be made in the next financial year.”
Dlamini said the project is ongoing.
ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: Leaks delay filling of Northmead water tower
ALSO READ: Northmead Water Tower to be completed in 2024
