Water Supply Interruptions – February 2024

UPDATE: 16 February 2024 – 16:00

REINTRODUCTION OF DAYTIME AND CONTINUATION OF THE NIGHTLY WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTIONS
The Sol Plaatje Municipality would like to update the residents about the reintroduction of the Daytime Water Supply Interruption from Saturday, 17 February 2024: 12h00 – 17h00. Update will be provided during the coming week. The Nightly Water Supply Interruption stays in effect from 21h00 to 05h00.

A series of refurbishment and maintenance work are in progress at the Riverton Water Treatment Plants. The Riverton Water Treatment Plant can treat 162 megalitres per day but due to inadequate maintenance, the plant is treating less than 100 megalitres per day.

The summer peak demand in Kimberley is at 105 megalitres and the plant produces at the most 80 megalitres a day, leaving a shortfall of 20 megalitres which is exacerbated by the water losses (leaks). Treated water is pumped to the Newton Reservoirs on the 900mm and 600mm pipe diameters. However, these pipes are leaking with 4 major leaks and several minor leaks.

The Newton reservoirs have a storage capacity of 261 megalitres which comprises of; 102, 91, 45, and 23 megalitre reservoirs that are low to empty. The water levels at Newton Reservoirs are as of 16 February 2024:

REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE WORK AT RIVERTON

The Municipality is currently conducting repairs at the old plant to improve the water production

The repair work at the plant is meant to improve the water production at the plant and allow it to meet the demand. Newton Reservoirs are low and the supply to the suburbs is affected during the day.

The production shortfall and inadequate water supply are further exacerbated by the leakages in the main supply pipelines.

The Municipality appeals to residents and public members to stop watering their gardens and reserve water for consumption and other critical use only. This will ensure that water pumped into the reservoirs can reach levels that generate enough pressure to supply all areas in Kimberley. The community is encouraged to adopt water-conserving habits during this period.

Residents experiencing water interruptions outside of the above stipulated times are encouraged to lodge queries with our Call Centre on 053 8306 111/ Toll-Free 080 1229 010.

Your patience and understanding are highly appreciated as we forge towards guaranteeing water security.

Yours Faithfully,
S.B. MATLALA
MUNICIPAL MANAGER

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