Residents and businesses across Kempton Park are being urged to store enough water ahead of planned maintenance by Rand Water that is expected to affect supply from July 17 to 19.

The maintenance forms part of phase two of Rand Water’s infrastructure maintenance programme, which aims to strengthen the bulk water supply network and improve long-term water security across Gauteng.

According to the City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, some areas supplied by the Palmiet, Zwartkopjes and Mapleton systems may experience low water pressure or no water while the work is underway.

Kempton Park areas expected to be affected

Areas in and around Kempton Park that may experience interruptions include:

• Isando
• Spartan
• Bonaero Park
• Parkhaven
• Rhodesfield
• Aston Manor
• Allen Grove
• Glen Marais
• Glen Eagle
• Glen Erasmia
• Kempton Park CBD
• Kempton Park extensions
• Bredell
• Ester Park
• Edleen
• Norkem Park
• Van Riebeeck Park
• Terenure
• Cresslawn
• Birchleigh
• Birchleigh North
• Birch Acres
• Nimrod Park
• Brentwood Park
• Croydon
• Pomona and Pomona extensions
• Chloorkop
• Klipfontein View
• Phomolong
• Serengeti Estate
• Parts of Clayville and surrounding developments

Residents in these areas may experience anything from reduced water pressure to complete water outages, depending on the system supplying their neighbourhood.

Also read: Rand Water: Encroachment is a danger to society

Other areas across Ekurhuleni

The maintenance will also affect parts of:

• Thembisa
• Germiston
• Edenvale
• Boksburg
• Benoni
• Katlehong
• Thokoza
• Vosloorus
• Tsakani
• Brakpan
• Springs
• Daveyton
• Etwatwa
• Duduza
• Nigel
• Kwa-Thema

Water tankers to be deployed

Dlamini said the City will provide alternative water supplies through stationary water tanks and roaming water tankers in affected communities.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the City’s official communication platforms for updates on tanker locations.

Businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and other institutions are advised to ensure they have sufficient on-site water storage to meet daily demand, or enough water for at least 36 hours, to minimise disruptions.

Residents are also encouraged to store enough water before the maintenance begins for essential household needs such as drinking, cooking and sanitation.

Recovery may take time

Dlamini cautioned that although the maintenance is scheduled to conclude on July 19, the restoration of normal water supply will depend on the recovery of both Rand Water’s and the City’s systems.

High-lying areas and neighbourhoods supplied through pumping systems are expected to take longer to recover.

Maintenance schedule

The planned maintenance includes Eskom maintenance work at the Zuikerbosch system, which will result in reduced pumping into the Palmiet, Zwartkopjes and Mapleton systems.

• Palmiet system: Reduced pumping to 78%, resulting in low water pressure or no water in affected areas.
• Zwartkopjes system: Reduced pumping to 36%, with system recovery expected to take up to two days after maintenance.
• Mapleton system: No pumping during the maintenance period, with some areas expected to experience complete water outages.
• Additional pipeline cross-connection work on the Mapleton system is expected to affect parts of Kwa-Thema, Duduza and Nigel, where full system stabilisation could take between seven and 14 days in some high-lying areas after the shutdown.