West Rand to face water supply interruptions from May to July
Several West Rand municipalities will experience water supply interruptions during planned maintenance work from May 29 to July 17.
Rand West City and Mogale City will be affected by planned maintenance work scheduled by Eskom and Rand Water between May and July.
According to Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo, Eskom will undertake critical maintenance work at the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch sites to improve the reliability and performance of key electrical infrastructure.
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Maroo said the maintenance is necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity. The work will also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems while reducing the risk of plant trips and equipment failures.
The maintenance is scheduled to take place from May 29 to July 17. During this period, Rand Water will need to switch off some pumps, which may result in water supply interruptions in affected areas.
Maroo added that Eskom and Rand Water co-ordinated the maintenance schedule to take place during winter, which is traditionally a lower water-demand period.
Rand Water will also use the opportunity to conduct its own planned maintenance work.
Key maintenance activities include electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems, the installation and upgrading of motors at the Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4, replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at the Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems, as well as M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.
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In addition to Rand West City and Mogale City, the planned maintenance may also affect customers in the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities including Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.
Various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa, may also experience disruptions during the maintenance period.
Maroo said Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to affected municipalities, industries and direct customers to allow time for contingency planning and to minimise possible disruptions.
Rand Water will continue to provide regular updates throughout the maintenance period to keep customers informed of progress.
