UPDATE: Water services – pressure is being restored
"The new pipelines are holding under the increased pressure but it will take time. Water trucks are still being sent out," he said.
With thousands of residents up in arms over the water shortages, municipal officials are trying to speed up the restoration process.
However, this process can only be restored using specific safety methods. Currently, municipal officials are restoring the water supply’s pressure system.
This process could result in massive damage to the entire system if it is rushed and uncontrolled.
“This is an emergency situation. We did not plan this and had measures in place to prevent it, but the problem became bigger than expected,” explained a senior municipal official.
“The new pipelines are holding under the increased pressure but it will take time. Water trucks are still being sent out,” he said.
These trucks have to service the entire Newcastle area, and ensure the supply to emergency medical centres are maintained.
The official called for calm and asked the community to exercise patience, as rushing this process could result in major drawbacks and cost the municipality millions.
According to the source, the system’s pressure was up to 35 per cent, and officials would continue to increase this.
Water will begin to be restored to areas during the course of the evening.
Full water services is only expected to be returned to all residents tomorrow morning.
