The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has successfully repaired a leak on the 915mm diameter water pipeline in Blackbird Avenue, Parkwood Estate, yesterday Saturday 5 November, about 20 hours ahead of schedule. This pipe is a vital part of the network that supplies areas in the south with water.

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate started setting up on site yesterday morning, Saturday 5 November. By noon the water supply was turned off as scheduled so the repairs could be done safely and in the shortest time possible.

This resulted in water supply disruption to these affected areas: Pelican Park, Eagle Park, New Horizon, Peacock Close, Pelican Heights, Strandfontein, San Remo, Bay View, Phumlani, Zeekoevlei, Grassy Park, Lotus River, Schaapkraal, Ottery, Wetton, Knole Park, Retreat, Heathfield, Steenberg, Elfindale, Marina Da Gama, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Vrygrond, Parkwood Estate, Fairways, Southfield, Plumstead, Wynberg, Muizenberg, Lakeside and Diep River.

The directorate was however able to reroute water supply from the Mandalay pipeline to the Strandfontein, San Remo and Bay View areas which reduced the number of areas that had to be supplied by the water tankers.

‘Well done to all our staff who were actively involved in the repairs. They completed the work about 20 hours ahead of schedule. By Saturday night water supply was restored. It was initially planned to be restored by 4pm today.

‘This was made possible because the team reviewed the repair options when the covering chamber structure was demolished, which allowed them unrestricted access to the leaking pipeline.

‘Thank you to all the teams from the various City directorates who were involved in the planning and execution of their respective functions leading up to and during the actual repairs. This includes the planners and logistical support to those in trenches doing the repairs, while others were delivering water via tankers and accompanying the team to ensure their safety while work was being done on site.

‘The City sincerely also appreciates the work done by the Subcouncil managers and Councillors of the affected wards. The City also extends our appreciation to the communities who cooperated with us and heeded the call to store water ahead of the repairs. It really reduced the demand for water tankers in these areas.

‘Thank you also to Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages for availing two of their bulk water tankers and drivers to help support the City’s water delivery service during this period.

‘These collective efforts are important to ensure that we continue to provide a reliable water supply to our residents,’ said Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, the Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

Source: City Of Cape Town