KNYSNA NEWS - The joint operations centre (JOC) managing the local water emergency says the installation of Charlesford pump 1 is progressing steadily.
A team began completing the installation of the pump at 05:00 today, Monday 19 May, after the pump and its motor were assembled on site yesterday following repair work.
In its latest update this morning, the centre emphasises that completion of the installation does not mean water will immediately be restored.
"Once installation is complete, a period of thorough testing will follow to ensure the system operates safely and reliably," it said.
The Charlesford pump station draws water from the Knysna River and transfers it to the waterworks and the Akkerkloof Dam, a holding dam.
According to a press release, issued jointly with Knysna Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality and the Western Cape Government last night, the team was fitting the motor to the sleeves [at the pump].
"This is a careful process that takes time. The cable joints need time to cure. Full operational restoration is dependent on successful curing and final installation steps," the statement reads.
Levels critical
The centre warned that reservoirs in the following areas were at a critically low level:
- Brenton-on-Sea
- Noetzie
- Bigai
- Sunridge
"Residents in these areas who still have water are asked to please use it sparingly so storage levels can recover. The JOC is closely monitoring the situation."
Call to use water sparingly
"Water truck deliveries will continue in all affected areas during this phase," this morning's statement says.
"This remains a key intervention to assist residents while restoration work continues. To support reservoir recovery, night-time closing of certain portions of the system to build capacity will remain in place.
"We urge all residents to please use water sparingly, especially during the day, to allow storage levels to stabilise."
Installation completion in sight
The DA councillor for Ward 10, Peter Bester, who was the member of the mayoral committee for infrastructure in 2022, says it would probably take 24 hours for the pump to be installed and commissioned.
"Seeing that they [team] started with the work [installation of pump] yesterday, I personally anticipate they will finish the work by late today," Bester says.
He says the pump station would initially transfer water to the waterworks, and not to Akkerkloof Dam.
"It takes time for the water to be pumped to the waterworks and I reckon that by some time tomorrow, residents will start to see water coming out of their taps.
"The reservoirs that are further down the line will take two to four days to be filled - and so some residents will have to wait longer for water [from their taps]."
The JOC said late yesterday that the motor seals on one of the pumps in Rheenendal had been fitted and the unit was ready for installation.
Rheenendal update
The JOC says the water situation in Rheenendal has improved. However, the overall demand there currently exceeds production, and it remains critical to use water responsibly across the municipality.
Two water tankers will remain operational in the area until the situation stabilises.
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