An Eskom power failure at the Mapleton Booster Station on Sunday has affected the supply of water to the city of Tshwane, resulting in a shortage that will continue for an unknown period of time.
Affected Areas
The Mapleton Booster affects a total of 29 reservoirs and mainly the Vlakfontein Reservoir that supplies water to much of Tshwane. Also causing declining levels of two additional Rand Water reservoirs, namely Selcourt and Bronberg. As a result, many areas have had a limited water supply on Monday and Tuesday. Some of these areas are Garsfontein, Mooikloof, Cullinan, Mamelodi, Constantia Park, Cornwall Hill, Klapperkop, Erasmusrand and Waterkloof Ridge.
Failed Repairs
The city has been trying to repair a transformer which took damage as a result of the power supply failure. However, any attempts on Monday had failed. Leaving the station still pumping at only 58% capacity but Tuesday morning. This is the equivalent of 430 milliliters per day. The City does not know how long it will be before the repairs are complete. Which means Tshwane residents will be experiencing water shortages for an undetermined period of time.
Response from Residents
Affected residents are at a loss. One woman said that she was simply exhausted by the ongoing issues. And that she feels commenting or complaining is pointless, since the problems persist no matter what they do. Another resident says that she would just like to see evidence that the city is taking some form of action to improve the situation in general.
In response to the situation, City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba says “The City of Tshwane apologises for the inconvenience caused. Residents are urged to use water sparingly during this period”. He adds that he himself has been affected. As it stands this is not a simple matter. And the problem is just as much Eskom’s as it is Rand Waters.
