The chaos
started in early September when the Flowserve pumping system, which supplies
most of the city’s water, broke down. Although it was fixed and switched back
on last Thursday, the delay drained the Criterion raw water reservoir to a
dangerously low 10 percent, crippling supply.
As if that
wasn’t enough, a massive leak burst on the uMzingwane booster line on Saturday,
throwing restoration efforts into disarray. uMzingwane Dam is a key water
source for the city, and without it, treatment and distribution have been
severely disrupted.
Desperate city
engineers are now racing against time to fix the damage, with round-the-clock
repairs underway.
“We are working
flat out to restore supplies and return to the 130-hour water shedding
schedule,” said Town Clerk Christopher Dube. “We understand the frustration and
sincerely apologise to residents.”
To keep some
parts of the city going, water bowsers have been dispatched to the hardest-hit
suburbs.
Maintenance
works were also carried out last weekend at Ncema and Fernhill pump stations in
a bid to patch up long-standing leaks and prevent future disasters.
City officials
say normal water delivery could resume by Friday if repairs stay on track.
Until then,
residents are urged to use water sparingly and report any leaks immediately.
“Water is
life,” said Dube. “We must save every drop.” B Metro
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