A technical team from Vaal Central Water was deployed in Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, to tackle challenges facing water supply maintenance.
Vaal Water Central said in an update, this intervention is a result of a directive from the Minister of Water and Sanitation, to fix ageing water supply infrastructure, which led to regular pipe bursts and vandalised pumpstations in the area.
The directive was issued by the Minister, on the 05 April 2022, in terms of Section 41(1)(ii) of the Water Services Act, Act 108 of 1997 for Vaal Central Water to intervene in Operations and Maintenance issues of Maluti-a-Phofung Water.
“This is over and above the projects that the Entity is appointed as Implementing Agent for.”
Maruping Rapudungoane, leads the technical team.
The team in Maluti-A-Phofung Water, led by Peter Mokhothu, will implement maintenance strategies for the main supply line, to improve reliability and efficiency.
Mokhothu’s team will also revise and implement Standard Operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance the effectiveness of maintenance plans and increase water supply reliability.
This will culminate in the reduction of pipe burst on the Fika Patso main supply line on both phase 1 and phase 2 (700mm GRP AND 600MM Steel pipe).
It will also ensure pipes are inspected, severe leaks are detected, repairs occur and air valves replaced.
The team will also undertake the refurbishment of Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) pump station, pumps and motors, Internal installation and commissioning thereof.
Thus far, record breaking internal repairs, were done in 36 hours, on the 700mm steel and 600MM GRP, by the team.
Vaal Water Central also said water supply was restored to Monontsha, Qoqolosing, Qholaqho. Parts of Monontsha were without water access for 10 years.