Over the past several months, multiple breakdowns in the Standerton water infrastructure have caused residents to spend several days without water, with some areas not receiving water for weeks.

Lubabalo Majenge, spokesperson for the Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM), said this can be attributed to damage to the infrastructure during the implementation of a refurbishment project and building a second 5Ml storage tank at the Standerton Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

“The raw water rising main is old and also results in water supply interruptions,” stated Majenge.

The municipality currently cannot answer to the extent of damage to water lines, but stated that the refurbishment of the Standerton WTP will replace the raw water pipe.

According to Majenge, the aged raw water rising main at the WTP will also be replaced. However, this does not answer the question of what is being done to prevent regular water leaks.

In recent social media posts, the LLM has attributed faults and damages at the Standerton WTP to contractors currently working on the site.

According to a post from January 5, the contractor caused a burst on the Concor Pump Station suction line.
This burst was repaired on January 6, but the problems persisted due to a leak in the same pipe.

On January 8, the LLM communicated again that the contractor had damaged an electrical cable supplying power to the Concord Pump Station.

This has caused the community to question the competencies of contractors hired to complete work on the WTP.
According to Majenge, the Gert Sibande District Municipality appointed these contractors.

He said the refurbishment of the Standerton WTP is 79% complete, and the construction of the 5Ml clear water storage tank is 56% complete.

The LLM estimates that residents will enjoy a regular water supply by March 31 this year, following the completion of the two projects.