Two years after the Klein Caledon pump station was vandalised, refurbishments were finally completed.

Dihlabeng Municipality said it has been hard to restore the Klein Caledon electrical panel and pump station to its former glory after it was damaged in 2022.

The municipality provided an update on the completion of the refurbishments on Friday (30/8), and a service provider was appointed to replace all the equipment that was stolen and vandalised, including the replacement of 37KW control panels and cables.

Vandalised control panel and stolen cables at the Klein Caledon pump station. Photo: Facebook/Dihlabeng Local Municipality

“During the period when the pump station was vandalised, the station was completely dysfunctional but the community could still access water because the other abstraction point, which is Lesotho Highlands Tunnel, was still operating,” said Dihlabeng spokesperson, Tshediso Maitse.

“The municipality is committed to ensuring that the community of Clarens has water throughout the closure of the Lesotho Highland Tunnel. The community’s patience and cooperation during this period will be appreciated and further updates will be issued in due time.”

One-third of an ongoing project has been completed, while the remainder of the work is scheduled for completion in June 2025, but it doesn’t affect the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel from Tuesday 1 October, he said.

Repair work is being done at the pump station by the municipality. Photo: Facebook/Dihlabeng Local Municipality

Meanwhile, the DA in Ngwathe Municipality in Parys has called for the installation of pressure reduction valves and air valves at critical points for the residents of the town who have faced hardship due to the inadequate supply of purified water.

“Parys residents continue to suffer from frequent pipe bursts, causing daily water shortages or leaving taps dry for days,” said Ngwathe DA Cllr Saal de Jager.

“For the past two years, residents have faced significant hardship due to the inadequate supply of purified water. We are committed to ensuring a swift resolution to the water crisis in Parys.”

‘Dihlabeng municipality has beefed up security at the pump station’

“We will hold the municipality accountable for the proper installation of necessary valves and work closely with all stakeholders to guarantee a consistent and clean water supply to the community.”

The frequent pipe bursts and ongoing water shortages cannot continue. Immediate action is required to safeguard the health and well-being of Parys residents, he said.

“Residents are advised to report any crime to SAPS to avoid further vandalism and theft of cables. But as the municipality, we have also beefed up security at our pump station,” said Maitse.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg