The metro claimed due to heavy rainfall last week, “a lot of turbidity and debris (had been) seen at the Welbedacht Dam, which (had) caused strain on the water supply system”.

The municipality consequently implemented water rationing to manage the limited supply to Bloemfontein and its surrounds. Notices were issued to residents on Monday (25/11). Since some bulk pipelines operate in neighbourhoods to support hospitals, these areas will be severely impacted.

But the DA in Mangaung has called the “preventable crisis” another example of the municipality’s ongoing mismanagement. “We will continue to push for answers and hold them accountable,” said the DA caucus in a statement early Thursday morning (28/11).

“The majority of Mangaung’s residents currently have no water. The ANC-led municipality has failed to confirm whether the water supply was restored as initially indicated. While (it) previously attributed the outages to planned water-shedding, (it’s) yet to clarify the current situation or provide any concrete updates.”

Metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama confirmed water supply in most parts of the city “has been on and off for almost two weeks, due to different challenges. Both the municipality and Vaal Central Water have acknowledged the challenges currently affecting water supply within the city and we are working around the clock to address the challenges.”

Since the Maselspoort water treatment plant is still under renovation, the Arboretum reservoir will cater to low-surface areas, meaning smaller areas that cover hospitals, he said.

People getting water from a dispatched water tanker. Photo: Facebook/Cllr Vusi Soqaga

Suburbs affected by the rationing include Bayswater, Dan Pienaar, Estoire, Fauna, Fleurdal, Gardenia Park, Heidedal, Heuwelsig, Langenhoven Park, Pellissier, Pentagon Park, Phahameng, Phase 4, 5, and 7, Phelindaba, Rocklands, Spitskop and Universitas Ridge.

“The water rationing will be implemented weekly to minimise complete water shortage in case major incidents occur,” said Mangaung Metro’s city manager Sello More. “We appeal to residents with more than 2500 L tank capacity to close storage to minimise use, except for businesses on a rationed schedule.”

Northern parts of the city will get water later on Thursday (28/11) as the system was empty due to a maintenance programme at Maselspoort, he said.

‘The metro has finally decided to dispatch water tankers’

The metro has urged all residents to use water sparingly. Further communication will be given to the community through the ward councillor.

After the DA’s repeatedly called for water tankers to be deployed and contingency plans to be executed, as was discussed in its meeting with the municipality last week, the metro has finally decided to dispatch water tankers to high-lying areas.

“We will constantly update residents on the progress and we apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents,” said Khedama.

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