Water turned back on?
The decision to restore water supply has blind-sided councillors, officials and members of the community alike.
Since Klipfontein Dam has reached 20.5% capacity with recent rains, AbaQulusi municipality decided yesterday evening to restore water supply to the town.
The decision to restore water supply has blind-sided councillors, officials and members of the community alike, since the municipality had resolved last week that cutting off water supply was necessary to ensure continued access to water for residents throughout the dry months ahead.
It is believed that taking a decision to restore water supply without proper preparation has resulted in burst pipes in town, with clean purified water running down the street until the pipes can be repaired. There are also a number of water meters that have reportedly been broken off and stolen, while the water was turned off.
Currently, only 2megalitres per day is being pumped through the system. This means that, unless residents in the lower lying area use water sparingly, the water being supplied will not benefit those living in higher areas at all.
Residents who are receiving water through the system have expressed gratitude for the supply, despite the fact that the water has an unpleasant odour, and it is yet uncertain if the water is safe to drink.
