Water Supply Challenges in Matlosana: Planned and Unplanned Interruptions Affect Communities
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Residents across the City of Matlosana are experiencing a series of water-related disruptions, both scheduled and unexpected. From planned maintenance in Klerksdorp to unforeseen technical breakdowns in Tigane, Hartbeesfontein, and parts of Matlosana, communities are being urged to use water sparingly while officials work on solutions. These interruptions highlight the importance of infrastructure upkeep and the challenges municipalities face in ensuring reliable water delivery.
Planned Water Interruption in Klerksdorp
A scheduled water supply interruption has been announced for Klerksdorp. The planned disruption will be caused by cleaning and disinfection of the Oudorp Reservoirs, an essential process to maintain water quality standards.
Details of the planned interruption include:
Timeframe: From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Areas affected: Freemanville, Declerqville, Elandsheuwel, Rooseheuwel, and Meiringspark
During this period, residents may experience low water pressure or no supply at all. The municipality has encouraged all consumers in these areas to use water sparingly and make necessary preparations for the temporary interruption.
Breakdown at Rietkuil Pumpstation: Tigane & Hartbeesfontein
In addition to the planned outage, residents of Tigane and Hartbeesfontein are already grappling with an unexpected water supply interruption. The problem stems from a breakdown at the Rietkuil Pumpstation, which has left entire communities facing low pressure to no water at all.
Municipal technical teams are working on repairs, though no specific timeline has been provided for the restoration of full service. In the interim, water tankers are being dispatched to supply affected households with basic water needs.
Transformer Trip Disrupts Midvaal Water Supply
Another challenge has arisen in the Midvaal Water Supply area within the City of Matlosana. The issue traces back to Eskom’s Strathvaal substation, where a transformer tripped due to excessive moisture in transformer oil. This occurred on Wednesday, 10 September at around 14:00 and reduced power supply to the Midvaal Water Company’s treatment plant.
As a result, pumping capacity has been restricted, directly impacting the municipality’s ability to deliver potable water. Recovery of the water system is expected by Friday, 12 September after midday, according to municipal statements. Residents across various suburbs will continue to feel the effects until the system stabilises.
Broader Impact on Residents
For many households, the simultaneous occurrence of a planned maintenance shutdown and unexpected technical faults presents considerable inconvenience. Families, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities in affected areas will need to adjust daily routines around these limitations.
Authorities have strongly advised residents to store water where possible and prioritize essential needs during this time. These disruptions also serve as a reminder of the ongoing reliance on aging infrastructure and the pressures that maintenance and natural wear-and-tear place on service delivery.
Closing Thoughts
The current situation in Matlosana underscores both the necessity of proactive infrastructure maintenance and the unpredictability of technical failures. While planned interventions such as the cleaning of reservoirs are vital for long-term water quality, sudden equipment breakdowns and electrical faults expose vulnerabilities in the system.
For residents, resilience and preparedness are key as they adapt to these temporary challenges. For municipalities, the focus remains on restoring supply and ensuring stability in the days ahead.
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