Metro to fix broken Bronkhorspruit water pump next week
Residents shut Ekangala down following weeks of dry taps caused by a breakdown of a pump at the Bronkhorspruit water treatment plant.
Water supply to the affected areas in Ekangala near Bronkhorspruit will gradually pick up from Wednesday, March 13, the metro said.
Ekangala and its surroundings have endured dry taps for several weeks owing to a breakdown of a pump at the Bronkhorspruit water treatment plant.
On February 20, Tshwane said in a statement the plant was operating at half capacity after a lightning strike damaged its electrical components.
[WATCH] Bronkhorstspruit water update – Water supply expected to improve from next week Wednesday. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/GXkmi6eRZt
— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) March 7, 2024
As a result, only one pump worked, pumping water from the plant to the Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs.
Residents were left with dry taps.
However, on Monday, March 4, the community called for a shutdown of the town to protest over the water supply interruptions.
The residents blockaded several roads including the R568 at Ekangala and Rethabiseng.
UPDATE: TSHWANE HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES TOWARDS GRADUAL
RESTORATION OF WATER SUPPLY IN PARTS OF REGION 7. pic.twitter.com/I1lvQlpRw8— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) March 7, 2024
This prompted the metro on Thursday, March 7 to say they are making great strides towards improving the water situation.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the broken pump was a critical component for the distribution of water to the reservoirs, which ultimately supply safe and drinkable water to the consumers.
“The commitment from the supplier is that the pump will be available this Friday, March 8, but requires the motor to operate, which will be delivered on Tuesday, March 12.”
He said the installation of the pump and motor will start on Tuesday and be completed by Wednesday, March 13.
“Restoration of water supply to affected areas will then commence and more areas will start receiving water due to the increased pumping capacity from next Wednesday onwards.
After intense consultations with various stakeholders, an instruction was issued to shut water supply to the CBD for a day on Thursday, March 7 so that all water can be redirected to Ekandustria, Ekangala and Rethabiseng.”
AREAS WHICH ARE STILL EXPERIENCING WATER CHALLENGES IN REGION 7
WARD 103
There are some areas which received water yesterday. The following areas are still experiencing water shortages:RETHABISENG
Proper section, Extension 4, Extension 5— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) March 8, 2024
The Bronkhorspruit/Zithobeni reservoir has been heavily throttled to hold water back so that the reservoir doesn’t run dry.
He said residents in Bronkhorspruit and surrounding areas may experience low water pressure or no water at all, as a result of the throttling action.
“Some residents in the areas that have not had water for longer periods have already confirmed water flow in their taps, while others said there is a gradual build-up of water supply, albeit at a slow pace.”
Meanwhile, the city is embarking on erecting a new fence around the plant to secure the plant better and prevent access
“We suspect it is conducive for sabotage and arson.
A contractor has been issued with an instruction to conduct an assessment.”
Two new pumps will be ordered for the plant, and additional capacity will be sourced for the technical skills required to improve the management of the plant.
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