More water woes in Bloem: Pipeline bursts add strain to planned shutdowns

Water interruptions in various parts of the city have been an ongoing concern for affected residents. From planned 36-hour shutdowns for maintenance to unplanned major pipeline bursts in recent weeks, community groups have been buzzing with questions about when the interruptions will end.

Annabell Olivier from Fleurdal, who takes care of her bedridden mother and 90-year-old mother-in-law, said August has been a challenging month in her household due to the lack of water. She explained that she had planned according to the notices issued from 12 August, but the most recent shutdown – caused by a pipeline burst at the De Hoek-Uitkyk trajectory on 20 August – left her reserve dry, as they were without water until 24 August at 18:00.

“I had reserve water that I had to boil to take care of the elderly people in my care. You have to be careful with their hygiene, so it’s not only the water that becomes a problem – we end up using more gas to ensure they’re consuming clean water,” she said.

Although she understands that circumstances may lead to extended shutdowns, Olivier added that effective communication would have helped, as she could have considered alternative water sources.

Residents in General De Wet and Uitsig shared similar sentiments in a community group, noting difficulties in locating dispatched water tankers that had any water available.

In Bainsvlei, Wietz du Bruyn from Wietzbaden Brauhaus offered to assist the community by providing drinking water to those who could not afford to buy it. He said a fair number of people came to fetch water, which indicated a clear need at the time.

“I had more than enough water for myself, so I decided to help others,” he said.

The pipeline burst affected large parts of the city – including Langenhovenpark, Bainsvlei, Mandela View, Universitas, Heidedal, and adjacent areas – from 20 August to 23 August, when repairs were finally completed. It was, however, a complex task that required time, according to communication from the MMC for infrastructure services, Councillor Vusi Soqaga, who shared timely updates on the progress.

In an appreciation post on the Mangaung Ratepayers Association group, everyone who worked on the repairs was thanked for working “around the clock to get the situation under control”.

Water infrastructure maintenance across the metro commenced in June. Bloemfontein Courant is yet to establish whether any further maintenance is planned. Readers are encouraged to keep an eye on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za for updates regarding potential upcoming water maintenance.

Gypseenia Lion
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