Siza Water makes good progress in restoring water supply [Watch]

Two weeks after floods ravaged the North Coast, leaving large parts without water, supply has been returned to many homes for the time being.

Speaking to the Courier at the Frasers water treatment plant on Monday, Siza Water group managing director, Shyam Misra, said good progress has been made with restoring supply along the coastal strip from Zimbali to Sheffield, but Tinley Manor remained problematic.

“We managed to reticulate large parts of our water system. We are receiving more water from Umgeni since the Hazelmere water treatment plant has started to stabilise,” he said, noting that while Siza’s operations were not yet back to 100% functionality, improvements were being made every day.

Despite recent rains causing disruptions in some areas, Misra said both Siza Water and Umgeni’s delivery has improved significantly since the floods.

“Most reservoirs have basically been replenished in our service area. We are operating at about 70-80% of capacity at the moment.

“Avondale’s reservoir has been averaging between 60-70%, even going up to 80-90%, but we are trying to avoid overflowing the reservoir which feeds into most others,” Misra said.

“Our concern now is Tinley Manor, where we still augment supply via water tankers into the reservoir.”

Bulk supply lines which run through Colwyn Drive at Sheffield Beach and then through the uMhlali River to the Tinley Manor reservoir, were severely damaged and will be replaced as soon as possible.

For the time being, water is brought in via water tankers along the N2, but traffic congestion has at times slowed the process.

Shakaskraal, Shayamoya and Nkobongo face similar issues.

“We managed to fill those reservoirs and open supply on Sunday evening after 10-12 days. It is still going to be a challenge for us to get there and we are looking at some emergency schemes,” said Misra. He hoped to have a solution by the end of this week.