Update on water supply in eMalahleni

The water supply to greater Emalahleni area is produced from the Witbank water treatment plant which is pumped to command reservoirs from Point D pulp station. 

The pump station is supplied by electric power from two transformers situated at the station from the municipal grid.

Water pumping is facilitated by means of five pumps driven by electric motors.

At about 11:30 on Friday, September 4 a power failure was reported at the pump station and on investigation it was found that pump number three panel and controls have caused the trip.

Further that the cabling between panel and motor has overheated and causing the failures.

The affected circuit has been isolated and running the station with four pumps as from about 18:00.

Pumping has since started to command reservoirs however the system will take time to stabilize especially distant areas depending on high level reservoirs.

Water tankers will be utilized to supply water to Affected areas and emergency institutions like hospitals whilst the system improves.

We urge communities to use water sparingly and all water outlets(taps) be closed during the said period.