09 Oct 2024 | 01:37 PM UTC
South Africa: Water management utility warns of planned water disruptions in parts of southern Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, Oct. 10-12
Planned water disruptions announced for parts of southern Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Oct. 10-12, due to infrastructure upgrade.
Rand Water, Johannesburg's water management utility, has announced planned water disruptions across parts of southern Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, Oct. 10-12. The utility will divert water supply away from a pipeline servicing the areas to allow for the upgrading of an electrical substation. The following areas will be impacted from 06:00 Oct. 10-14:00 Oct. 12:
Southern Johannesburg: Gillview, Glenanda, Meredale, Meredale Extension 25, Mondeor, Suideroord, Winchester Hills, Winchester Hills Extension 1 and 2;
Soweto: Bheki Malangeni District Hospital, Bushkoppies Wastewater Treatment Works, Central Western Jabavu, Dhlamini, Jabulani, Jabulani Mall, Jabulani Hostel, Mapetla, Mofolo Central, Mofolo South, Molestane, Molapo, Moroka, Orlando Power Station Complex, Phiri, Power Park, SARS Office Park, Senaone, Tladi, the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus, Zola 1 and Zondi.
Disruptions could include reduced flow rate or shortages. Outages could extend beyond the estimated restoration time. Business disruptions are possible, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water. Essential services, including hospitals and health facilities, could experience disruptions due to water cuts despite contingency plans. Spontaneous protests are possible in areas affected by water shortages, especially in lower-income areas. In the event of protests, increased security and road travel disruptions stemming from blockades are likely.
Stock up on drinking water and confirm alternative water supplies for business operations if operating in the impacted areas. Use only bottled water from reputable suppliers for drinking and hygienic purposes. Water pressure and quality may be poor after service resumes; run taps for several minutes before using water. Minimize nonessential water use throughout the outage. Avoid protests, and do not drive through roadblocks that may materialize. Heed instructions from authorities.
South Africa, Gauteng especially, regularly suffers from water shortages due to increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, as well as repeated infrastructure breakdowns, high demand, and alleged sabotage. Recurring power cuts have also prevented freshwater pumps from delivering water to some localities and prevented sewage plants from processing grey water.
Authorities have regularly implemented water restrictions to mitigate disruptions. Current advisories are for consumers to continue practicing level 1 water usage restrictions, including the prohibition of garden watering, car washing, and the filling of swimming pools between 06:00-18:00.
