Brixton reservoir tower testing begins
Engineers set to pump water into the tower this week as long-awaited upgrade nears completion.
After months of delays and community frustration, progress on the Brixton reservoir tower has reached a critical stage, with engineers preparing to start pumping water into the structure as early as this week.
Ward 87 councillor Kyle Jacobs, who visited the site on October 29, said the team has now installed the pumps that will move water from the reservoir up into the newly constructed tower. For now, the pumps are powered by a generator, which the site engineer confirmed can run continuously while they wait for City Power to complete a permanent electrical connection.
“They don’t want to wait on City Power, so they’ll use the generator in the meantime and continue with work,” Jacobs explained.
Read more: Johannesburg Water gives a glimpse into the new Brixton reservoir and tower construction project
According to the on-site engineers, the reservoir is ready to start pumping water from October 30 and 31. The tower itself is currently being cleaned and disinfected before filling begins. Once the water is inside the structure, engineers will begin leak tests — a process that requires patience.
Because of the tower’s design, Jacobs said testing will take roughly 21 days. Water must sit inside the tower long enough to reveal any small or hidden leaks before it can be commissioned.
If the timeline holds, both the reservoir and tower are expected to go online, as given by the on-site engineer, by November 22, finally supplying residents with much-needed water.
Also read: Brixton home up in smoke
Jacobs acknowledged that the upgrade project has faced several setbacks. The contractor experienced payment delays from the city, which slowed progress, though he noted the contractor kept working where possible despite the financial strain.
“Payments from the city have now been sharp and on time, which is welcoming news,” he said, adding that pressure from both the city and even parliament played a role in resolving the issue. Weather conditions also took a toll — heavy rain, lightning and strong winds created challenges for crews working at height on the tower.
Despite everything, Jacobs said the structure is now fully built and nearing the finish line.
The publication sent media queries to Johannesburg Water for official comment; the article will be updated once received.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
