The Kimberley Prospector

Ongoing updates on the Gogga emergency leak repair. Stay tuned for the latest information on the restoration of Kimberley’s water supply.

Day 10: The water outage, initially expected to last only during the 4-8 April scheduled repairs, continues to affect many residents supplied by the Newton Reservoir.

Update 17:45 – Off-Takes Closed to Boost Newton Reservoirs

“The off-takes are being closed on both pipelines 600mm and 965mm diameter to boost supply to the Newton Reservoirs. A decision has been taken to start filling the 23 megaliters, followed by 45ML and 102ML reservoirs.”

SUPPLY TO BE RESTORED MONDAY 15 APRIL 2024 IN THE MORNING AT 05:00

Update 13:30 on 14 April – Filling of Pipeline

Three pumps will be activated at the Riverton Water Treatment Works at 14:00 today to begin pipeline filling. The priority will be to replenish the 102-megaliter Newton Reservoir to a depth exceeding 10 feet, enabling the resumption of pumping.

Update at 08:20 on 14 April – Welding Complete

“The welding work at Gogga was only completed at 04:00 this morning. A wrapper plate was welded over the outside of the old scour pipe that was cut off from the mainline. In the wake of the delay in welding work, owing to the heavy downpours last night, the technical team will, this morning, be inspecting the pipeline stretching from Riverton to Kimberley before starting with line filling. Delay in restoration of supply may be experienced, and we will privide residents with an update.”

Update at 19:45 on 13 April – Welding in Progress

“The welders are busy installing the wrapper plate over the outside of the old scour pipe that was cut from the mainline. All welding work is expected to be completed tonight. We most likely to start opening some of the mainline valves to slowly fill the pipeline at midnight. All scour valves will be checked once the mainline valves are opened.”

No images were supplied.

Update at 12:00 13 April – Assessment Completed

According to a media statement by SPM: “The assessment is complete. There is no major damage on the main pipeline, except a tear on the scour outlet pipe to the valve. The contractor is stabilizing the tilted chamber and will cut and seal it off. Investigation on the cause of chamber collapse is incomplete at this stage.”

Update at 09:00 13 April – Draining Completed

“The draining of the scour chamber was successfully completed last night. The technical team is assessing methods of repairs for the damaged old scour valve, which is attached to the 900mm diameter pipe. The repair work may include cutting off a section of the pipe and welding it back. This will require the pipe to be completely dry. Thereafter, pumping at full capacity from Riverton WTW will resume. Water will be pumped to Newton Reservoirs to improve the water levels for pumping into the distribution network of Kimberley CBD and suburbia, Greenpoint and parts of Galeshewe that have been affected.”

As previously reported the water may not be fully restored until Monday, 15 April.

Updates on the situation will be provided to residents as the repair unfolds.