Rand Water released an update on the possible water shutdown in and around the West Rand of yesterday morning, 24 June.
As recently reported, Rand Water completed a R600 million project which saw the construction of the 1 300 megalitres per day capacity B19 pipeline which will supply raw water from the Lethabo Pumping Station to the Vereeniging Pumping Station. A new project is currently under way that will see the B19 connecting with the B11 pipeline. This will result in a 54-hour shutdown from 24 to 27 June which may affect, among others, Mogale City and the City of Johannesburg.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/381858/take-note-water-supplies-may-be-restricted-or-shut-down-for-three-days/
It’s important to note that the warning of a possible shutdown or restriction of the water supply is only a preemptive measure. It is probable that the water will not be shut down during this period.
At 6am on Monday, 24 June the isolation of the pipeline and drainage of the water started.
“This 12km pipeline is 2 500mm in diameter, from where significant volumes of water need to be drained. The draining of water will allow technicians to safely commence with the required cutting and welding aspects of the work. This activity is proceeding according to schedule. The isolation is complete and the line is being drained,” Justice Mohale, the Rand Water Media Relations Manager said.
From about 10pm on Monday, cutting and rigging of the pipeline will start. This phase will last an estimated four hours. From here, the work will comprise mainly welding, testing and commissioning the new line.
As per a press release, Mohale noted that: “Rand Water will provide periodic updates every five hours throughout the duration of the shutdown.”
