In a video sent to OFM News, people are seen being turned away while the main gate is closed. 

Upon arrival at the premises, OFM News found the gates partially opened, however, no one is being assisted. It is alleged that the closure of the centre is due to the lack of water in parts of Bloemfontein. The spokesperson for the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport, Hillary Mophete, has confirmed the closure.

ALSO READ: Parts of Mangaung's water supply disrupted

Residents have been without water since the beginning of the week. The spokesperson for the Mangung Metro Municipality, Qondile Khedama, said parts of the Mangaung Metro’s water supply have been interrupted as Bloem Water experienced raw water pumping challenges at the Welbedacht Dam's Water Treatment Plant. 

The problem began on Sunday 5 March 2023 when there was lightning in the area. Several main reservoirs' levels have been affected, such as Brandkop, De Hoek, and Uitkyk. These are supplied by the mainline from the Welbedacht Dam to Bloemfontein. In addition, assurance was given to residents that Bloem Water is working tirelessly to address the plant's issue. The repair process was expected to take 36 hours. Water quality is expected not to be affected, although there could be interruptions if water quantities are reduced.

ALSO READ: Update on disruptions to parts of Mangaung's water supply

On Thursday 9 March 2023, residents were informed that efforts continue to remedy the problems with raw water pumping at the Welbedacht Water Treatment Facility. Water tankers have since been sent to the majority of the impacted, high-lying areas, although water supply outages are still affecting some neighbourhoods. 

Khedama said water should be restored by Friday.

OFM News