Johannesburg CBD Faces Water Outages for Critical Valve Installation at Hector Norris Pump Station
Johannesburg residents are bracing for significant water outages as Day Zero hits the town this weekend, with Joburg Water announcing a planned shutdown from 8 PM on Friday to 8 PM on Monday. The Johannesburg CBD and surrounding areas, including Newtown, Selby, and Jeppestown, will be affected. This shutdown is part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades, focusing on installing isolating valves at the Hector Norris Pump Station. The water utility emphasized that this is standard maintenance to enhance future water delivery and avoid further losses due to faulty infrastructure.
Areas Affected by Water Shutdown:
- Newtown
- Selby
- Jeppestown
- Doornfontein
- Forest Hill
- Turffontein
- Rosettenville
- La Rochelle
- Turf Club
The water cut is necessary to safely conduct mechanical and electrical repairs. Water tankers will be dispatched to assist residents, and essential services will be prioritized.
Understanding the Water Crisis
The shutdown comes amid concerns about water loss due to aging infrastructure. According to Leon Basson, chair of the portfolio committee on water and sanitation, nearly 46% of the water loss in the region is due to deteriorating pipes and malfunctioning valves. He highlighted the need for a coordinated plan to fix the water system, urging greater intergovernmental collaboration and investment in water infrastructure.
Joburg Water has assured the public that this maintenance is critical to preventing more severe future disruptions. Spokesperson Nolwazi Dhlamini clarified that while the water would be completely shut off, this is routine work designed to maintain the system’s integrity and ensure long-term water availability.
How to Prepare
Residents in affected areas are urged to:
- Store adequate water for the three-day outage.
- Reduce non-essential water usage to extend supplies.
- Stay informed through Joburg Water’s social media platforms and official website.
For further updates, including tanker schedules, Joburg Water will continue to provide notifications. These ongoing upgrades are expected to contribute to improved service delivery and the long-term sustainability of Johannesburg’s water system.
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