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WATER: Latest on South Coast’s current water situation
Breaks, air in the system, loadshedding and pipe blockage are jut some of the reasons for delays.
This statement was released by Ugu District Municipality this morning:
St Helens Rock Pump station is pumping at 75ML/d directly into the dam as part of loadshedding counter plan.
Bhobhoyi Water Works is processing 70-75ML/d currently with the level sitting at 91 percent resulting from restricted supply to all other systems (on inlets) to fill uMzimkhulu reservoir.
1) The Northern system is currently on 78 percent. This is due to pipeline outlet having been dedicated to Tweni first.
Note: The delay in supplying the whole Northern system has been due to breaks that are being found on the system (Rethman Drive (200mm) break that has been fixed, 225mm break at Commercial Road which also fixed yesterday and a break on the 300mm (in Albersville) supplying Southport/Sea Park which will be repaired this morning as resources are being mobilised .
2) With uMzimkhulu reservoir at 78 percent water line will today be opened to feed Anerley reservoir and Melville reservoir which are both expected to be opened tomorrow morning and midday respectively (This being the estimation noting number of damages that are being found on the system ).
Although there is no visible damage that was witnessed on the line during investigation, the team will continue following the line to ensure no other obstacle is encountered .
3) Port Shepstone area has been affected by massive air in the system due to the system being dry for longer period. The team last night were busy releasing air in the entire system in the quest to resolve water supply in high-lying areas. Improvements are noted as some hydrants that had no water started receiving water. The team will continue monitoring the area as the plan is to ensure the area goes to weekend having been fully restored .
4) Majority of the southern system has been restored with isolated cases in different areas such as:
• Gamalakhe reservoir is on 91 percent currently and has been experiencing intermittent water recently due to stop-start caused by loadshedding.
The area outlets are being closed or open based on the schedule. The area is expected to be fully restored tomorrow morning as load shedding ends tonight.
• Shelly Beach, Uvongo and Margate areas have just experienced large number of breaks as a result the response times are greatly affected due to resources available.
• Margate Ext 3 – The area has been affected by the extensive damage of electrical cable . The decision to change the entire cable was taken yesterday after having found many breakages. The electrical contractor completed the new installation late last night with testing being done this morning . The pumps will be started this morning with anticipated times of full restoration being this afternoon.
• Ramsgate low lying areas in Beaumont, Shirley, Sea View etc have had no water due to a pipe blockage. After many attempts of unblocking failure, pipes were jumped from one system to areas without water as a temporary measure however a pipeline replacement will start today until Monday morning to fully restore the area.
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