Restless residents wondering about the copious water interruptions in Glen Marias the past few weeks are begging the question whether the Dann Road reservoir is still empty and why.
A Glen Marais resident spoke to Express about the lingering process of the final commissioning stages of the reservoir since its start of construction in 2017.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the reservoir was completed in November 2018 at a cost of R48 019 420.21.
Gadebe explained that the R106 428.43 difference was caused by the gazetted standard rate of VAT increase from 14 per cent to 15 per cent with effect since April 1, 2018.
But since its completion, has the reservoir been empty?
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According to Gadebe, the reservoir is empty because the appointment of the pipeline contractor was delayed due to the need to comply with supply chain processes.
“Allowing the same contractor to implement the water connection, while being the most preferable and quickest route, would have violated supply chain regulations which can never be encouraged or allowed.”
A new contractor is on site to finalise the water connection appointed through due process. He assured the lead time to complete the water connection to be set for three months from July 1.
The 500mm and 600mm feeder pipeline has been ordered and is awaiting the coating and lining from the supplier.
“It is expected that the pipeline will be delivered to site for installation in September. The reservoir will be tested towards the end of September upon the installation of the feeder pipeline,” Gadebe said.
The purpose of the new reservoir is to provide 36 hours water storage for supply to areas of Glen Marais, Glen Erasmia, Pomona and Bredell.
“The project is part of the long-term security of water supply strategy for the greater Kempton Park area. This includes the construction of the Bredell 22-megalitre reservoir, Bredell reservoir pump station, a second Kempton Park reservoir and water tower that are under construction, in addition to the Isando water tower that is also under construction.”
Gadebe concluded that these investments in water infrastructure exceed R300-million.
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