KIMBERLEY – The Sol Plaatje Municipality issued a crucial update today, alerting residents to an impending water supply interruption scheduled for 16:00. This interruption is a direct consequence of a leak detected on a 900mm diameter pipe, a vital component of the water infrastructure connecting Riverton to the Newton Reservoir.
The aging pipeline, dating back to the 1940s, has experienced structural compromise, prompting a joint assessment with Ekapa Mine on Friday, 17 November 2023. The collaborative effort, utilizing drone technology, successfully identified the leak on Monday, 20 November 2023.
The areas expected to be directly affected by low water pressure to no water during this period include Phutanang, Soul City, Platfontein, and Caters Glen. The Municipality assures residents that every effort will be made to maintain a continuous water supply during the intervention.
As of the latest assessment, the current water levels at Newton Reservoirs reveal critical deficits:
Dam Number 1:
- Capacity: 102 Mega litres
- Desired levels: 17 feet
- Current average levels: 8.7 feet
Dam Number 2:
- Capacity: 91 Mega litres
- Desired levels: 45 Mega litres
- Current average levels: 15 feet
Dam Number 3:
- Capacity: 23 Mega litres
- Desired levels: 13 feet
- Current average levels: 9.9 feet
The Municipality aims to restore full water supply by Wednesday, 22 November 2023, and emphasizes the need for residents to conserve water diligently. Urging a temporary halt to garden watering, officials highlight that prioritizing water for consumption will expedite the restoration process.
Residents are encouraged to adopt water-conserving habits throughout this period, and the Municipality extends gratitude for patience and understanding during these challenging circumstances. The collective effort of the community is crucial in ensuring water security for all residents in Kimberley CBD and its surrounding areas.
Tags: Newton Reservoir Sol Plaatje Municipality