Vandalism to blame for water interruptions says municipality
The municipality blames vandalism at the Farmers Hall Pump Station for ongoing water supply interruptions.
Frustration continues to boil over as Newcastle residents remain without water following days-long water supply interruptions.
Newcastle Municipality confirmed this morning (September 16) that water supply remained interrupted due to unforeseen technical challenges at the Showground Pump Station, following an act of vandalism that damaged a critical water pump.
“This has significantly impacted on pumping capacity, resulting in critically low water levels at the Northdown Reservoir, which is currently at approximately 30% of its capacity,” the municipality said.
The municipality further assured residents that the matter was receiving urgent attention at the highest level.
“The Technical Team is on site and the municipality is doing everything in its power to ensure that water supply is restored as a matter of priority.”
Vandalised pump disrupts reservoir supply
As part of the immediate intervention, the municipality said a process was underway to urgently source a new water pump to replace the vandalised unit.
According to the municipality, alternative pumping measures are being implemented to facilitate the recovery of reservoir levels. Water tankers have also been deployed to service affected areas as a temporary relief measure.
“While the exact restoration time is not yet confirmed due to the technical nature of the repairs and procurement process, residents will be kept regularly updated on progress,” the municipality said.
The municipality strongly condemned the vandalism of essential service infrastructure, saying such acts directly affect service delivery to communities.
Residents were urged to work with the municipality to protect municipal infrastructure.
“The municipality sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience, understanding and co-operation of all affected residents during this period,” it concluded.
Replacement pump remains urgently needed
Providing further details, Ward Councillor Bertie Meiring explained that water is pumped from the pump station near Farmers Hall.
“There are two lines going from the pump station. One line goes directly to Hutten Heights and Amiel Park, as well as sections of Pioneer Park.”
According to Meiring, the second line feeds the Northdown Reservoir near Sunny Ridge and Ncandu Park.
“There are two pumps at the pump station. Pump 1 mostly pumps both lines during the day, and during the night, they use Pump 2.
“Now the main pump, Pump 1, is broken and that’s the reason why the water is not reaching the reservoir.
“Now the municipality has switched on Pump 2, but this pump does not have the capacity to feed the two lines to their maximum. The municipality has to remove Pump 1 and replace it with a new pump.”
Meiring said the new pump was being procured.
He added that private contractors were also involved in checking the pressure-reducing valve for possible malfunctioning.
“So, in short, Hutten Heights, Pioneer Park and sections of Pioneer Park will have water soon, depending on other unforeseen circumstances.
“Northdown Reservoir should reach the prescribed levels before the valves will be opened. The moment the new pump is installed, the filling of the reservoir will be quicker.”
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