Kimberley residents are experiencing a delayed restoration of water supply following a planned 16-hour interruption on Saturday (27/6), as Sol Plaatje municipality continues with major refurbishment work at the Newton Reservoirs Complex.

The municipality had advised residents in advance to store water ahead of the scheduled shutdown, which began at 06:00 on Saturday and was expected to end at 22:00 the same evening. However, restoration has been delayed due to unforeseen construction complications encountered during the upgrade works.

Pumps at the Newton Reservoirs are now expected to resume operation on Sunday morning, said the municipality. Officials confirmed all three newly installed valves linked to the 102-megalitre reservoir have now been completed and installed.

“We wish to extend our sincerest apologies for the delay in the restoration of water supply,” said Sol Plaatje municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi. “We plead for the support and understanding of residents as we roll out the Northern Cape’s largest ever investment in its bulk water supply infrastructure.

“The delays have largely been caused by the breaking of the concrete flooring encountered during the works. The concrete flooring required additional breaking before installation could continue.

“We also had another concrete flooring section at the tower pipework upgrade that needed to be broken down to complete the necessary infrastructure work.”

OFM News reported the municipality said significant progress has been made on its R2.5bn water infrastructure upgrade project, as 98% of the emergency phase is now complete.

During an oversight visit by Northern Cape premier Dr Zamani Saul to the Riverton water treatment plants on Tuesday (23/6), he said water leakages in the system have been significantly reduced since the programme began. 

Municipal leaders showcased progress on the budget facility for infrastructure projects funded by the National Treasury.

The R2.5bn BFI grant, which was approved by the National Treasury just over two years ago, represents the largest water infrastructure investment in the Northern Cape’s history and is aimed at improving water security for Kimberley and surrounding communities.

Sol Plaatje executive mayor Martha Bartlett said the project forms part of the Northern Cape’s largest-ever investment in bulk water infrastructure, funded through the BFI. 

She said the upgrades include the installation of three new valves on 1,200mm nominal bore pipes at the 102-megalitre reservoir, as well as extensive improvements to the Newton tower and associated pipework systems.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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