Numerous residents of JB Marks in North West have been cautioned about plans for a possible 34 hours of water-shedding.

The Potchefstroom-based municipality said residents will be affected by the planned maintenance of the Vyfhoek Reservoir Supply Line. The maintenance is set to last from Tuesday (20/5) at 08:00 to Wednesday (21/5) at 18:00.

ALSO READ: Metsimaholo Municipality embarks on planned 16-day water shutdown

The planned water shutdown is necessary to facilitate the connection of a new 450mm OPVC pipeline to the pump station and reservoir, as well as replacing the 40mm asbestos pipe, said spokesperson Jeanette Tshite.

The planned maintenance is to avoid future water shortages. The following areas will be affected: 

• Vyfhoek
• Baillie Park
• Grimbeekpark
• Van der Hoffpark
• Die Land
• Waterberry
• Parts of the CBD

“To minimise inconvenience during this period, residents are advised to store sufficient water in advance. The municipality apologises for the inconvenience that might be caused by the disruption and appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation.”

OFM News previously reported on several planned water pump maintenance projects across the municipality, which at most led to the frustrations of residents. These frustrations have also led to residents calling for the two merged Tlokwe and Ventersdorp Local Municipalities to be separated.

They cited a lack of service delivery, financial constraints, fraud, and corruption. They said Tlokwe inherited the financial crisis of Ventersdorp. 

This proves difficult for the municipality, named after one of the ANC’s struggle icons, JB Marks, to thrive and deliver better basic services to the people as envisaged in the local government legislative framework.

Often, this frustration leads to violent protests with residents taking to the streets to air their anger and unhappiness with how things are done at the ANC-led municipality.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Cape, water infrastructure maintenance in the Sol Plaatje Municipality will leave residents of Kimberley without water from Thursday (29/5) at 18:00 to Tuesday (3/6) at 18:00. Both Emfuleni and Metsimaholo Municipalities will shut down water supply from Friday (30/5) at 06:00 to Saturday (14/6) at 06:00.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg