Kimberley Water Supply UPDATES – Nov/Dec 2023

Good evening, Residents

It appears that supply from the reservoir will not be restored before the nightly water shutdown begins.

At this point, if it was restored, it is not likely that all residents would be reached by 21:00.

This was not communicated to residents or councilors and is another example of poor communication and planning by the municipality that has characterised this emergency water shutdown.

Chris Whittaker
Ward 24

UPDATE: 25 November 2023 – 15:10

UPDATE: 25 November 2023 – 13:30

Water was restored last night and this morning.

Due to demand exceeding supply, the pumps at Newton Reservoir have been temporarily turned off to allow the dam levels to rise.

Regards
Chris Whittaker
Ward 24

UPDATE: 24 November 2023 – 15:24

SINCERE APOLOGIES
We continue to extend our sincere apologies to all residents of the Sol Plaatje Municipality for the inconvenience and hardships caused by the water interruptions.

We would like to once again assure all residents that the Emergency Water Shutdown was a course of action that was unavoidable owing to the massive water losses experienced, which also led to nightly water supply disruptions.

We appeal for your patience during these difficult times whilst our teams are working tirelessly to restore the water supply.

THE RESTORATION OF THE WATER SUPPLY
The Sol Plaatje Municipality wishes to inform all residents of the significant strides made in the repair works on the two major leaks that were discovered, prompting an unfortunate and unplanned Emergency Water Shutdown. These major leaks were on the 900mm diameter Sunset Manor (Non-Return Valve) and at the cross-section of the 900 and 600mm diameter chamber at the Midlands pipeline installed in the 1940s in the vicinity of Roodepan.

PROGRESS MADE
The Municipality summoned bulk-water and network specialists who worked together with our engineers and technicians to undertake the dewatering, removal of unrepairable valves and the non-return valve, new installations, and welding amongst other operations. Heavy rains were encountered; however, we have managed to complete the operations timeously.

Owing to the progress made, the Municipality would be able to restore the supply of water to the following areas by 18h00 (6pm) today (Fri 24 Nov); broader Galeshewe, Platfontein and Roodepan. The supply to the Kimberley CBD and surrounding residential areas is set for 18h00 tomorrow (Sat 25 Nov). Our course of action in pumping water into the network is on schedule.

Fixing the two major leaks, albeit unplanned, has been undertaken as part of addressing the network hotspots and ensuring we guarantee sufficient and quality water into the future.

In the event of isolated cases where water has not been restored, kindly contact Mr Saul Maseng at 073 381 5218.
Our Councillors will be on the ground distributing information in relation to areas that may still not have access to water supply.
The Municipality remains committed to delivering quality services.

We Serve. //END
Issued By: Executive Mayor Cllr: Mr Kagisho Sonyoni

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— Sol Plaatje Municipality (@SolMunicipality) November 24, 2023

UPDATE: 24 November 2023 – 14:00

Cllrs Ockie Fourie and Chris Whittaker went to verify the situation with the water supply. Pumping from Riverton began after 10am and water has reached the Midlands junction.

It will still take some time for the system to fill up and water distribution to reach all residents.

Estimates are later this evening or early tomorrow morning.

Thanks again to all residents and businesses who offered their boreholes to the community during this unpleasant experience.

Above info supplied by Ward 24 Cllr, Chris Whittaker.

Apparently Sol Plaatje’s Media Briefing has been moved to 14h00 today and we will update thereafter when an official update is released from Sol Plaatje.

UPDATE: 23 November 2023 – 22:59

Repairs on the Midlands pipeline have been completed. All sights are now set on fixing leaks at Sunset Manor (not-return chamber). We are steadfast in our resolve to restore water supply tomorrow morning. The Municipality appeals to the communities to cooperate in allowing passage to the tankers/flat beds delivering water. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused.

WEBMASTER’S NOTE: Based on the time the above update was sent out, the assumption is that “tomorrow morning” is today, Friday, 24 Nov 2023. This is most probably for residents that receive water directly from Riverton and not the Newton Reservoir.

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— Sol Plaatje Municipality (@SolMunicipality) November 23, 2023

UPDATE: 23 November 2023 – 15:02

Some residents of Kimberley should be able to gain water supply at 08h00 tomorrow (Fri 24 Nov 2023) and the rest thereafter with the increased pumping of water to the Newton Reservoirs. Dewatering at Midlands has been successful and critical technical work has unfolded. Draining is still being undertaken at Sunset Manor (non-return chamber) and we are set to conclude repairs at midnight.

We plead for patience and understanding. We wish to extend our apologies to all residents for the inconvenience caused.

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— Sol Plaatje Municipality (@SolMunicipality) November 23, 2023

UPDATE: 22 November 2023 – 15:38

It is with deep regret that the Sol Plaatje Municipality wishes to inform all residents of the unfortunate and unplanned Emergency Water Shutdown that we have had to implement.

This, emanates from major leaks that have been discovered on the 900mm diameter Sunset Manor (Non-Return Chamber) and at the cross section of the 900 and 600mm diameter chamber at the Midlands pipeline installed in the 1940s in the vicinity of Roodepan.

The Municipality would like to assure residents that we remain committed in addressing the loss of water precipitated by the aging network infrastructure. We have also summoned the services of network and bulk water supply specialists in resolving the current situation and in our endeavour of guaranteeing water security.

We have made strides in addressing production problems at Riverton Waterworks in the recent while and we are now setting all sights on addressing network supply setbacks which are within our five-year plan and based on the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI).

TIMEFRAME OF THE EMERGENCY WATER SHUTDOWN
In having summoned additional capacity and embarking on an immediate course of action, we are aiming to restore water supply on Saturday, 25 November 2023.

The leaking spots worked on are being drained and other workstreams will unfold set on rectifying the leakages and ultimately pumping water into the network.

EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY — RELIEF EFFORTS THROUGH TANKERING
Water-Tankers will be deployed to all wards (areas) with immediate effect.
A schedule is to be communicated on all platforms. Immediate attention will be given to wards (areas) that were first affected in the wake of the implementation of the Emergency Water Shutdown and to the last to experience dry taps.

FUTURE EFFORTS
Into the new year, 2024, over R104 million is being allocated flowing from the BFI grant and set to address fixing of the pipeline and other related shortcomings.

SINCERE APOLOGIES
We appeal to residents and businesses to bear with us and we would like to assure the good people of Sol Plaatje Municipality that this course of action is in the best interest of guaranteeing water security. We are currently on a heartening 98% Blue Drop Status, a significant achievement in our quest of guaranteeing a high quality and sufficient water supply in the immediate future.

In extending our apologies for the short notice and the inconvenience caused, we would also like to point that information will be provided timeously in future with tangible communication plans in place.

Your patience and understanding is highly appreciated and the Municipality commits to keeping all the residents informed during the entire operation.

We Serve,
Issued By: Acting Executive Mayor Cllr, Ms Thobeka Matika
Enquiries:
Communications Manager – Thabo Mothibi on 053 830 6740 / tmothibisolplaatje.org.za / 074 490 4927
Communications Officer- Office of The Executive Mayor Keobakile Musunse Kmusunse@solplaatje.org.za
053 830 6203 / 071 296 8044

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— Sol Plaatje Municipality (@SolMunicipality) November 22, 2023

UPDATE: 22 November 2023 – 15:21

Kimberley residents will be without water until Saturday after Sol Plaatje Municipality implemented an emergency water shutdown.
The municipality said the emergency shutdown was prompted by two major leaks that were discovered on the 900mm diameter pipeline at Sunset Manor and the cross-section of the 900 and 600mm diameter chamber at Midlands.

The city’s acting mayor, Thobeka Matika, said water tankers will be deployed in all wards with immediate effect.

“Immediate attention will be given to wards that were first affected in the wake of the implementation of the emergency water shutdown. We are embarking on an immediate course of action and aim to restore the water supply by Saturday,” said Matika.

UPDATE: 22 November 2023 – 08:11RE: EMERGENCY AND UNPLANNED SHUTDOWNPlease be informed that we will be issuing another Public Notice flowing from yesterday’s on emergency steps being undertaken to safeguard water security, especially with the festive season and high temperatures looming.Two major leaks have been discovered on a 900mm diameter and 600mm diameter pipelines in the vicinity of Roodepan (Sunset Manor and Midlands), prompting key efforts to be undertaken.Therefore;- We will provide detailed information into the water supply disruption at distribution amid problems having been fixed at production (Riverton Waterworks) – efforts been undertaken; and- Plans into emergency supply in an effort to enforce water security through tankering.A Mayoral Committee meeting and an Informal Council meeting will also be held today.Thank you,Thabo Mothibi
Communications Manager
Sol Plaatje MunicipalityUPDATE: 21 November 2023 – 15:01The Sol Plaatje Municipality would like to update the residents about the water supply interruption that will be taking place today at 16h00. This is a result of a leak on a 900mm diameter pipe. The pipeline was constructed in the 1940s and has aged, with its structural integrity compromised.The Municipality conducted a joint assessment with Ekapa Mine on Friday, 17 November 2023 of the bulk water supply pipeline from Riverton to Newton Reservoir by flying a drone and the leak was discovered on Monday, 20 November 2023.The Municipality will ensure that there is a water supply during this period and the areas that will experience low pressure to no water are:
• Phutanang
• Soul City
• Platfontein
• Carters GlenThe current water levels at Newton Reservoirs are:

TANK NUMBER	CAPACITY	DESIRED LEVEL	CURRENT AVG LEVEL
1	102 Megalitre	17 Feet	8.7 Feet
2	91 Megalitre	15 Feet	8.8 Feet
3	45 Megalitre	13 Feet	0,0 Feet
4	23 Megalitre	13 Feet	9,9 Feet

All attempts will be undertaken to restore full supply of water by Wednesday, 22 November 2023.

The municipality appeals to residents and members of the public to stop watering their gardens and reserve water for consumption only. This will ensure that water pumped into the reservoirs is able to reach levels that generate enough pressure to supply all areas in Kimberley CBD and surrounds. The community is encouraged to adopt water conserving habits at all times.

We appeal for patience and understanding. All attempts are being made to ensure water security.

For further inquiries kindly contact Mr Thabo Mothibi / Thokozile Riet on 053 830 6740

Many thanks,
BS Matlala
Municipal Manager

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— Sol Plaatje Municipality (@SolMunicipality) November 21, 2023

UPDATE: 15 November 2023 – 13:25

The Sol Plaatje Municipality would like to update residents on the continued nightly water interruption taking place between 21h00 to 04h00 so as to recover water levels at the Newton Reservoirs. As a consequence, some residents within the Kimberley CBD are experiencing low to no water in the morning hours due to line feeding, however, the pressure increases or builds up during the day.

The Municipality has made changes for opening water in the morning for the Kimberley CBD and the water will be opened at 03h00 in the morning to allow enough pressure in the line and full coverage.

Furthermore, the Municipality would like to appeal for patience from the residents of the Lerato Park areas who are without water as a result of a bust pipe of 500mm diameter that supply water to the area The Municipality is working tirelessly to restore the water today in the afternoon. Provision will be made for supplying water through water tankers to assist the residents while the waterworks team works in restoring water.
The current water levels at Newton Reservoirs are as follows:

TANK NUMBER	CAPACITY	DESIRED LEVEL	CURRENT AVG LEVEL
1	102 Megalitre	17 Feet	11,6 Feet
2	91 Megalitre	15 Feet	7,4 Feet
3	45 Megalitre	13 Feet	0,0 Feet
4	23 Megalitre	13 Feet	9,9 Feet

The municipality appeals to residents and members of the public to stop watering their gardens and reserve water for consumption only. This will ensure that water pumped into the reservoirs is able to reach levels that generate enough pressure to supply all areas in Kimberley CBD. The community is encouraged to adopt water conserving habits at all times.

Your patience and understanding is highly appreciated.
Issued By: Sol Plaatje Municipality’s Communications Unit Thabo Mothibi — Communications Manager / tmothibi@solplaatje.org.za
Enquiries: Thokozile Riet on 053 830 6740 / triet@solplaatje.org.za

UPDATE: 12 November 2023 – 12:00

WATER INTERRUPTION IN AREAS SUPPLIED FROM NEWTON RESERVOIRS

Sol Plaatje Municipality would like to update the residents about the successful cleaning of two clarifiers at the Riverton Water Treatment Works yesterday. The Municipality’s technical team will further conduct the desludging of the additional two clarifiers today; 12 November 2023, from 14h00 to 21h00.

However, the water levels at Newton Reservoirs are still low and the Municipality appeals to the residents within the Kimberley CBD and some surrounding suburbs, who are experiencing low to no water for patience as we are working tirelessly to restore water to normal.

Residents and members of the public are requested to stop watering their gardens and reserve water for consumption only. This will ensure that water pumped into the reservoirs is able to reach levels that generate enough pressure to supply all areas in Kimberley. The community is encouraged to adopt water conserving habits.

Your patience and understanding is highly appreciated.

Thabo Mothibi
Communications Manager
Mobile: 074 490 4927
Email: tmothibi@solplaatje.org.za

UPDATE: 11 November 2023 – 16:15

NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS – WATER INTERRUPTION, SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2023

The Sol Plaatje Municipality would like to inform residents about emergency work underway at Riverton Water Treatment Plant, involving the cleaning of clarifiers from this afternoon, Saturday 11 November at 17h00 until the early hours of tomorrow morning, 04h00.

The scale of the work to be undertaken is set to result in a water interruption which would cause some areas being supplied from the Newton Reservoir to experience low pressure to no water during the determined hours.

The municipality will be working on reducing the sludge around the clarifiers that have been suspended and floating on the surface, adding on the amount of the scum.

The municipality is working tirelessly to close all leaks on the main bulk pipelines that pump water from the Riverton Water Treatment Plant to Newton Reservoir without implementing a full shutdown of the water supply.

The municipality appeals to all residents and members of the public to stop watering their gardens and reserve water for consumption only. This will ensure that water pumped into the reservoirs is able to reach levels that generate enough pressure to supply all areas in Kimberley. The community is encouraged to adopt water conserving habits.

Your patience and understanding is highly appreciated.

Issued By: Communications
Services
Enquiries: Thabo Mothibi
Communications
Manager Services
Contacts: Mobile – 074 490 4927
Email: tmothibi@solplaatje.org.za