Large parts of Mbombela and White River still without water
Following a cable theft at the Nelspruit Waterworks in the early hours of Wednesday April 24, large parts of Sonheuwel and surrounding areas and large parts of White River are without water. It is expected to return some time tomorrow, April 26.
Water to large parts of Mbombela and White River is expected to be restored later tomorrow, April 26, after a cable theft at Silulumanzi’s Nelspruit Waterworks on Wednesday April 24 saw the company unable to produce and supply water from the plant to the entire Mbombela system.
A statement by Silulumanzi’s Shyam Misra issued on Wednesday said that electricity was expected to be restored at the plant by the City of Mbombela (CoM) by 18:00 yesterday and that production at the Nelspruit Waterworks would commence.
Silulumanzi’s Richmond Jele said large parts of Sonheuwel in Mbombela, including The Rest, the Edge Estate and Kiepersol, among other areas, are currently affected.
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He said that the pumping of water to reservoirs in Mbombela started yesterday evening, but that the system is expected to recover tomorrow, allowing water to properly return to affected areas tomorrow.
He said some residents may experience isolated shortages due to low water pressure or burst pipes resulting from the high pressure of water returning to previously empty pipes.
He said Silulumanzi teams are on the ground and that water tankers are being dispatched to areas in need.
He urged affected residents to call the Silulumanzi call centre and provide their addresses as well as a central meeting point where water tankers can be dispatched.
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Meanwhile, a ward councillor in White River, Rowan Torr, said most of the town is currently without water. He said that because White River is so far away, the residents will have to wait longer for the water to return.
The CoM’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, said the water was anticipated to be restored to all areas today.
“Unfortunately, many parts of Mbombela and White River are without water. We will have to deploy the tankers tomorrow morning if the situation is not improving, while building sufficient volumes/levels to be able to reticulate. We apologise for the continued inconvenience,” he said.
Jele said Silulumanzi apologises for the inconvenience and has asked for patience among the residents while the water is being restored.
To contact Silulumanzi, call 013 752 6839 or WhatsApp 083 269 1456.
