Although some Bloemfontein residents have been without water for about a week after two pipes had burst, water supply will be restored by Thursday 23 November, according to the Democratic Alliance in the Mangaung Metro.
In a statement received from the DA on Tuesday 21 November at 13:00, it was mentioned that it will take approximately 20 hours to lay the new pipe and then another 12 hours to fill the line, after which they will pump the water to Bloemfontein. “Water can be expected on Thursday 23 November and the city’s water will stabilise by Saturday 25 November.”
Various businesses were affected, to such an extent that some had to close their doors. Schools, hospitals, restaurants and individual businesses had to implement different ways of providing water.
The main water pipeline supplying Mangaung with water first burst on Thursday 16 November. It was predicted that it would take 36 hours to restore the pipeline. After being repaired, the pipe burst again on Saturday 18 November, followed by Monday’s (20 November) burst pipe.
Qondile Khedama, Mangaung Metro Municipality spokesperson, said on Monday afternoon that they had dispatched their team and they were working in over-drive to ensure that work was completed in time. The repair work was expected to take 24 hours.
In another statement released by the Mangaung Metro Municipality on Tuesday 20 November, it was confirmed that the municipality was working tirelessly to overcome the unforeseen crisis. “Our team has been working overnight and has been able to extract the damaged concrete pipe. Workers are currently busy with the installation of the new steel pipe. We have also picked up a number of new areas in both the northern and southern parts of the city that are affected and we are working tirelessly to cover those areas with JoJos. The municipality’s call centre is on standby for any enquiries during the interruption and is ready to assist affected areas with JoJo tanks or water tankers,” Khedama said.
All residents in Bloemfontein have been requested to use water sparingly to avoid further interruptions in the supply. “Residents of Mangaung Metro will be regularly updated on the progress regarding the shutdown,” Khedama added.
The city set up several water points as well as ablution facilities at various shopping centres to make the crisis bearable.
According to Khedama, water tankers and JoJo tanks have been allocated to the affected areas as follows:
Pellissier – Opposite Engen Garage; Pellissier – OK Shopping Centre; Fichardt Park – Dave’s Meat Market and Pick n Pay Hyper;
Fleurdal – Pick n Pay, Kay’s Centre; Fauna – Checkers Hyper and Game; Lourier Park – Local School; Gardenia Park – Shopping Complex; Makro – Filling Station; Universitas – Shopping Comp. – JERETHA OOSTHUIZEN
jeretha@mahareng.co.za
