JB Marks Announces Major Pump Station Shutdown for Critical Motor and Pump Installation
- Karen Scheepers
- Nov 17
- 2 min read
The JB Marks Local Municipality has issued a public notice informing residents of Potchefstroom about a planned shutdown at the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station. The shutdown, scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November 2025, is required to install a new 200 kW motor and pump, a critical upgrade aimed at improving water supply reliability and long-term system efficiency. Residents across several neighbourhoods have been urged to prepare for potential water interruptions.
Purpose of the Shutdown
The shutdown is part of a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade to modernise the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station.
The installation of the new 200 kW motor and pump will:
Increase pumping capacity
Improve water pressure stability
Enhance system resilience during peak demand
Reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and emergency outages
Municipal technical teams and the appointed contractor will be on-site throughout the day to ensure the installation is completed safely and efficiently.
Scheduled Shutdown Details
Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 6:00 AM until late evening
During this period, water supply interruptions and low pressure may occur in several areas as the pump station remains offline for the upgrade.
Areas Expected to Be Affected
The shutdown will impact a wide portion of Potchefstroom’s water distribution network. The following areas may experience reduced water pressure or complete water outages:
Kanonierspark
Witrand Hospital
SANDF facilities
Dassierand
Promosa
Mohadin
All Ikageng Extension areas
Eesterantjies Reservoir zones
Because these areas rely heavily on the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station, the municipality is advising all affected communities to plan ahead.
Municipality Urges Residents to Prepare
Residents are encouraged to:
Store sufficient water ahead of the shutdown
Limit non-essential water use during the affected hours
Keep taps closed to prevent flooding when the supply returns
Report any abnormal water issues once the system is restored
The municipality issued an apology for the inconvenience and stressed that the upgrade is necessary to improve long-term service delivery.
Final Notes
The planned maintenance at the Ventersdorp Road Pump Station forms part of JB Marks Municipality’s ongoing infrastructure improvement programme. Once completed, the upgraded motor and pump system is expected to strengthen the stability of Potchefstroom’s water network, particularly in the communities most dependent on this station. Residents’ cooperation during the shutdown will help ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.
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