Planned Water Shutdown in Potch Industria: Coordinated Maintenance and Leak Repair Efforts Underway

Karen Scheepers
Oct 17
3 min read

The JB Marks Local Municipality has announced a scheduled water supply shutdown on Monday, 20 October 2025, affecting Potch Industria, Ikageng Proper, and surrounding areas. The temporary interruption is part of a planned project to replace dysfunctional valves at the Ikageng Water Pump Station, aimed at improving long-term water reliability and pressure.

In addition to the municipal maintenance, Ward 15 representatives have confirmed a coordinated effort to repair a major water leak in the same vicinity, ensuring that both issues are addressed simultaneously to reduce overall downtime for residents and businesses.

Valve Replacement: Scheduled Maintenance for System Efficiency

According to the municipality’s notice, the shutdown will begin at 06:00 and continue until late in the day as technical teams carry out the valve replacements. The Ikageng Water Pump Station supplies multiple areas, including Potch Industria, Old Ikageng, and parts of the CBD, and the work forms part of a broader initiative to enhance the efficiency and safety of the water distribution system.

Residents and business owners are urged to store sufficient water in advance for domestic and operational needs. While the work is ongoing, water supply will be temporarily interrupted or significantly reduced.

Ward 15 Update: Leak Repair and Tree Removal Preparations

The water leak is located behind a dense line of trees next to the railway, where water continues to pump at an estimated pressure of 1.5 bar. Access to the site is currently restricted, as it cannot be reached via Soetdoring Street or the N12 due to overgrown vegetation and terrain conditions.

In alignment with the municipal maintenance plan, Ward 15 Councillor and the Parks Department, led by Wilfred and his team, have initiated preparatory work in the affected zone. On Thursday, the team began removing trees and clearing the area to provide access for heavy vehicles and repair crews.

Over the weekend, a TLB (tractor-loader-backhoe) will be used to complete the clearance so that the Infrastructure Department can access the leak site with their trucks. The Infrastructure Team, under the supervision of Fanie Zoko, is scheduled to repair the water leak on the same day as the valve replacement to minimize disruption.

This coordinated approach means that residents will experience only one day without water instead of two, a proactive measure aimed at improving efficiency and minimizing inconvenience.

Community Advisory: Prepare and Conserve

Residents in Potch Industria, Ikageng Proper, and Ward 15 are encouraged to:

Store enough water ahead of Monday for essential use (drinking, cooking, and sanitation).
Notify schools, old age homes, and residential flats in the area to make early preparations.
Use water sparingly once supply resumes to prevent strain on the system as it stabilizes.

As stated in the Ward 15 feedback update, “A little inconvenience now for better water pressure in the future”, a sentiment reflecting the municipality’s goal of sustainable water management.

One Unified Effort Toward Reliable Water Supply

Through collaboration between the JB Marks Local Municipality, Infrastructure and Parks Departments, and Ward 15 leadership, this operation demonstrates a unified approach to resolving infrastructure challenges efficiently.

While the temporary shutdown may pose minor inconvenience, it represents an essential investment in long-term water stability for Potch Industria and surrounding communities. Residents are thanked for their cooperation and understanding as work progresses.

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