New pump brings hope for Highveld water relief
The municipality has installed a replacement pump at the Kentron borehole as part of efforts to restore reliable water supply to hundreds of homes in Highveld after weeks of disruptions.
Efforts to restore water supply for hundreds of households in Highveld, Centurion, have reached a critical step, following the installation of a replacement unit.
The community has been without reliable water for weeks due to a faulty pump at the Kentron borehole.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi confirmed that a replacement pump has been successfully installed.
“The contractor was able to source a compatible pump that was available in stock, and installation took place on January 26,” she said.
She explained that while the pump installation marks a major step forward, additional technical work is still underway to fully stabilise the system.
Image: Supplied
Morodi said the contractor is repairing the pressure-reducing valve used to regulate water pressure.
She said the metro contemplates that the work will be finished on January 29.
The MMC noted that other challenges at the borehole site still needed to be addressed.
“We still have to rewire the damaged electrical cables and repair other borehole components, including the stolen PRV pilots,” she said.
Despite the progress, Morodi confirmed that about 200 households remain affected by the disruption, particularly in high-zoned areas.
She said these include Schiphol, Changi, Turnhouse, and Stansted streets and Malpensa Crescent, where residents have continued to experience water shortages or low pressure.
“To assist affected residents, the Tshwane municipality had deployed a water tanker daily to the John Vorster Avenue SPAR. However, the service was later withdrawn after it was found that the trucked water was not being utilised.”
Looking ahead, Morodi said the city is taking steps to prevent similar failures at the Kentron borehole and other critical infrastructure in the area.
Affected resident Joseph du Plessis said the prolonged period of unreliable water supply has taken a significant toll on households in the area, disrupting daily routines and creating ongoing uncertainty.
He explained that inconsistent water availability has made even basic household tasks difficult, particularly during peak times when pressure drops or supply cuts off completely.
“The situation has been challenging for families with children and elderly residents. The unreliable supply creates stress beyond the inconvenience itself,” he said.
According to Du Plessis, the lack of consistency has affected hygiene, meal preparation, and general quality of life.
“It’s not just about being uncomfortable. It affects how you live day to day. You can’t plan properly, and it’s exhausting constantly adjusting your life around whether there’s water or not.”
He added that residents are hopeful the installation of the new pump and the remaining repair work will finally bring stability to the area’s water supply, but stressed that confidence will only return once consistent service is restored over time.
Image: Supplied
The latest update from the city builds on assurances given earlier this month, when Morodi said the metro was moving with urgency to resolve the water supply challenges caused by the faulty pump at the Kentron borehole.
At the time, she confirmed that the pump had failed and emphasised that the disruption extended beyond a technical fault, highlighting the real impact on residents’ daily lives.
“We recognise that behind every technical failure is a family struggling to cook, a student preparing for school, and an elderly resident facing unnecessary hardship. Water is a fundamental right, and the current disruption is not just a logistical hurdle; it is a significant burden on your daily lives,” Morodi said at the time.
Morodi also explained that the city had fast-tracked the procurement process for the replacement pump and engaged specialist suppliers to secure the fastest possible delivery.
She said parallel infrastructure work was underway along Olievenhoutbosch Road to strengthen the broader water system, including pipe rerouting and preparations for improved bridge access.
ALSO READ: Metro fast-tracks repairs to restore water supply in Highveld
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
