Komani water problems are becoming worse as water pumps are experiencing problems, and Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) has to implement changes in its water cut schedule to try and distribute water to all areas in Komani.
Komani town, Ezibeleni and Mlungisi townships have been experiencing unusual water cuts, which saw locals panicking as CHDM changed its schedule to cater for high lying areas which are badly affected by the water problems.
The Komani area has been hard hit by severe drought conditions, which saw the Bonkolo dam level reach below 5%. The town has since been getting its water supply from the dam.
To try and end the water insecurities in Komani, CHDM initiated the R546m Xonxa bulk water transfer project, whose completion date has been postponed since December last year.
CHDM spokesperson, Thobeka Mqamelo, said the Komani area is currently experiencing exceptional water interruptions.
“This, over and above the declared water cuts between 8am and 4pm. Besides the drought conditions and growth in demand for water supply, our pumping activities have recently been affected by instability in power supply (constant blinks), which caused our pump stations to trip whenever there is a blink – especially the McEwan’s pump station, which is more susceptible to such occurrences,” Mqamelo said.
She said on Tuesday there was only half the normal gravity of water quantity running into both the Komani and Whittlesea plants.
“The pumps must be reset whenever this occurs. In such circumstances it is not possible to activate emergency power supply as power cuts are not protracted. In the meantime, water is rationed across all areas to ensure equal access by various areas serviced,” said Mqamelo.
Mqamelo said the low lying areas of Komani (Southbourne, Sandringham, Madeira, Kings Park, Westbourne and New Rest) that normally get a full supply during the day must now be regulated to allow water to reach high lying areas.
“Similarly, at intervals, closure of high level reservoir that feeds town is effected to improve levels. For Ezibeleni Zone 1, 2 and 3 will be closed at 10am and open again at 4pm,” she said.
She said normal pumping has, however, resumed from 2pm yesterday, while they are monitoring all the pump stations until power stability is maintained.
“CHDM understands the strain brought about by this situation and sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience,” she said...