SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Knysna Municipality has commenced repair work at the Onderstegaatjie Pump Station in Sedgefield after a recent week-long Eskom power outage placed severe pressure on the infrastructure, leaving the station without electricity for more than six days.
The pump station, which services the surrounding informal settlement and forms part of the final sewage transfer system to the Sedgefield Wastewater Treatment Works, also experienced increased strain due to heavy rainfall over the past two weeks.
While municipal technical teams are carrying out urgent repairs, plans are also under way for long-term infrastructure upgrades to improve the resilience and reliability of the sewer system.
Pump problems
Acting Municipal Manager Manqoba Ngubo said the Onderstegaatjie Pump Station is designed to operate with three 48kVA pumps, including one duty pump for normal daily operations, one assist pump activated during periods of increased demand, and one standby pump used during maintenance or breakdowns.
“However, the station has for some time been operating with only one duty pump, limiting the system’s ability to effectively manage high inflows during emergency conditions,” he said.
Huge hydraulic load
According to Ngubo, the prolonged Eskom outage and persistent heavy rainfall significantly increased the hydraulic load on the infrastructure with substantial volumes of stormwater entering the sewer network. The situation was further worsened by the surrounding informal settlement being located in a natural low-lying area without a formal stormwater drainage system, resulting in waterlogged conditions and increased inflow into the pump station.
Critical electrical components, including the soft starter responsible for controlling pump motor operations, sustained damage due to the excessive pressure placed on the system.
Repairs prioritised
Ngubo confirmed that the municipality has prioritised repairs to restore operational stability as quickly as possible.
“Replacement of the damaged soft starter is scheduled to take place today, 19 May, while repair work on the control panels will also resume,” he said.
“These interventions will provide temporary relief while more comprehensive refurbishment plans are being finalised. Municipal teams remain on site monitoring conditions and implementing measures to reduce the impact on affected communities.”
Upgrades
The municipality has identified the Onderstegaatjie Pump Station as a priority sewer infrastructure site for the 2026/27 financial year. Planned upgrades include the installation of all three required pumps, refurbishment of electrical control panels, upgrades to security and control systems, and condition assessments of critical sewage and water pump stations across the greater Knysna municipal area.
As part of the municipality’s broader infrastructure improvement plans, a professional service provider was appointed in April to assist with sewer infrastructure projects.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience experienced by affected residents and remain committed to both immediate repairs and long-term infrastructure improvements,” Ngubo said.
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