Around two dozen suburbs will experience major disruptions this weekend – Photo: Unsplash
Around two dozen suburbs will experience major disruptions this weekend – Photo: Unsplash
To say this is far from ideal would be the understatement of the century. Several suburbs in Cape Town will be without any running water for the upcoming weekend, as a three-day shutdown gets underway in the Mother City. Many other regions will also experience disruptions.
Zahid Badroodien is the MAYCO member for Water and Sanitation. He explained that the upcoming water shutdown is ‘absolutely necessary’ to preserve existing infrastructure. Supply interruptions will start at 1:00 on Friday 16 September, and end at 3:00 on Monday 19 September
“This shutdown is necessary to conduct crucial maintenance work on an important section of our bulk water supply network. While we regret the inconvenience, delaying work is an even greater risk to our supply. It is being done over a weekend to minimise the impact on residents”
“The duration of the water supply disruption is due to the size and scale of the pipe network, as well as the time it takes to clear the pipeline to render it safe for the maintenance team to work on and fill afterwards, to build up sufficient pressure to supply water.” | Zahid Badroodien
The following areas are anticipated to experience low water pressure, which may become a ‘trickle flow’ at times:
Three areas on that list have been flagged – because they will be expected to go THREE DAYS without water from the early hours of Friday. The City of Cape Town has, at least, positioned a number of water tankers and standpipes in locations across the worst-affected suburbs:
Although these directives are a little reminiscent of the ‘day zero’ panic that gripped Cape Town a few years ago, city officials have been quick to reassure locals that the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain.
However, thousands of residents must now plan ahead for a waterless weekend…
“Locals are being advised to store water before Friday 16 September 2022, in clean, sealed containers – or even in sinks or baths. Where possible, people are also being encouraged to try to do their laundry before 1:00 on Friday morning.”
“Those affected must use water sparingly during this time. Consider using a bucket or large plastic bowl of water to wipe yourself down. Try to avoid using the shower or bath as the water pressure may not be enough in low pressure areas.”
City of Cape Town