Dipaleseng Local Municipality has released a notice that it’s experiencing water supply disruptions that affect all areas within the municipality.
The municipality said the disproportions are due to the aged and dilapidated infrastructure which has deteriorate over the years, old water supply system – asbestos pipes that are constantly bursting, continuous load shedding and reduction that is implemented by Eskom.
In the notice released by the municipality, it reads that it has a historic challenge of old water supply system that was designed for a relatively small community with limited supply capacity.
READ | Steve Tshwete to open new 113 hectare gravesite
Over the years, the municipality experienced population growth as well as expansions in development which also resulted in increased water supply demand.
“This undesirable situation requires a complete overhaul of the entire water supply system which propels the municipality to embark on numerous projects that will collectively address this problem. It aims to correct this serious situation and eliminate all water supply challenges by the end of 2023.”
This will be through the implementation of the following infrastructure projects:
-Upgrading of water supply pumps where challenges are experienced.
-Upgrading of the capacity of Fortuna Water Works from 6.5 Mega litres per day to 19.5 Mega litres per day.
-Upgrading of feeder water pipelines, whereby the Balfour to Grootvlei pipeline has already been completed with Siyathemba/Balfour to Greylingstad and Nthoroane is still outstanding.
ALSO READ | Mayor warns against scam using his name
This will address the current asbestos pipes that are constantly bursting.
-Construction on new water storage/Upgrading of reservoirs in Nthoroane, Balfour and Greylingstad, this will address capacity issues in all areas.
“The quality of the water supplied by the municipality is regularly tested and monitored by Dipaleseng Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality at its laboratory. The Department of Water and Sanitation also conducts regular and random sampling to ensure its safety for consumption.
The municipality commits to continue to maintain the current system to ensure water provision.”
Water tankers will also continue to be utilized on an ad-hoc basis when there’s no water. The municipality has requested the community to continue to be cooperative during this time until such until these matters are comprehensively resolved by the municipality.
