The Kimberley Prospector

KIMBERLEY – In a recent announcement, Thoko Riet, spokesperson for the Sol Plaatje Municipality, addressed the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining safe water reservoir levels at Newton Reservoir Complex. As a result, the Municipality has undertaken emergency repairs of the water filtration system at the old purification plant in Riverton.

The main objective behind these repairs is to augment the production capacity in order to tackle the excessive clean water loss caused by frequent backwashing. Once the emergency repairs are completed, approximately 27 MEGALITRES per day will be added to the system input volume (SIV) for Kimberley.

However, it is important to note that the water interruptions in the afternoons and at night, as mentioned in the previous update, will continue until the reservoirs have reached their full capacity. This means that the community will still experience daily and nightly water interruptions until the 13th of October.

While the Municipality’s efforts to repair and improve the water filtration system in Riverton are commendable, only time will tell if there are any unforeseen issues that may arise. Residents are cautiously optimistic and hope that these repairs will ultimately increase the water supply from Riverton to Kimberley. It is worth mentioning that this level of communication from the Sol Plaatje Municipality is unprecedented and offers a glimmer of hope.

Despite the positive developments, it is essential to remain vigilant and hold the Municipality accountable for their actions. The community cannot afford to relax their scrutiny, as past experiences have shown that disappointment can arise unexpectedly. However, the fact that the Municipality is finally listening to its community is a step in the right direction.

Residents of Kimberley are also advised to brace for snow, as the idiom goes since it is almost unbelievable that the Sol Plaatje Municipality is hastily taking substantial action. Moreover, rain is expected in the city today or tomorrow, and its severity, with an estimated 10mm, will influence the outcomes for residents. Despite this, the community remains hopeful for the best possible outcome.

As we navigate through these ongoing water supply challenges, it is crucial to remember that no news is good news. Each development, repair, and improvement serves as a glimmer of hope for the residents of Kimberley. Together, we can continue to push for better service delivery and keep the Sol Plaatje Municipality accountable for its actions.

No news is good news.