{"id":7898,"date":"2025-05-30T10:07:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T08:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=7898"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:34:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:34:04","slug":"21-day-water-outage-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/21-day-water-outage-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Joburg Braces for 21-Day Water Outage as Rand Water Launches Pipeline Repairs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rand Water has officially launched its critical B16 pipeline maintenance programme. This is a massive infrastructure overhaul expected to impact water supply across Johannesburg and surrounding areas for up to 21 days. The programme, which began at 3 am on Thursday, 29 May, aims to improve long-term service delivery but will bring short-term water supply disruptions to major parts of Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 21-Day Water Outage in Johannesburg: Areas Affected and How to Prepare<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Residents Need to Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rand Water has confirmed that valve isolation has been completed as part of the initial stage of the operation. The project is part of an eight-phase programme running until 21 July 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The utility has strongly advised residents to implement water conservation measures and put contingency plans in place. This particularly affects the cities of Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and affected regions in the Vaal Triangle, including Metsimaholo, Ngwathe, and Emfuleni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase 1: B16 Pipeline Tie-In from Zuikerbosch Station 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first and most immediate stage involves connecting the newly built B16 pipeline. This has necessitated the complete shutdown of pumping operations at Mapleton Station for 107 hours. This phase is set to continue until 5 pm on 2 June, significantly affecting water flow into critical urban zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eight Phases of Water Maintenance: What to Expect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rand Water\u2019s maintenance is not a one-time fix but part of a strategic, long-term plan. This involves eight distinct phases, each targeting a different infrastructure issue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Phase 1 (29 May \u2013 2 June)<\/strong> \u2013 B16 pipeline connection and Mapleton pump shutdown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Phase 2 (29 \u2013 30 May)<\/strong> \u2013 Overhaul of the Amanzimtoti Pumping Station; no pumping for 13.5 hours<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Phase 3 (30 May \u2013 15 June)<\/strong> \u2013 Complete supply halt to Sasolburg 1 Reservoir, affecting Metsimaholo, Ngwathe, and Emfuleni.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Phase 4 (3 June)<\/strong> \u2013 Russell Road meter installation for 22 hours<\/strong>, impacting Primrose<\/strong> and nearby areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Phase 5 (30 June \u2013 2 July)<\/strong> \u2013 Zuikerbosch leak repair, reducing Eikenhof pumping to 50%<\/strong> for 42 hours<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Phase 6<\/strong> \u2013 Valve replacement at Zwartkopjes station<\/strong>, scheduled for 50 hours<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Phase 7 (30 June \u2013 21 July)<\/strong> \u2013 The most extended phase, cleaning Vereeniging Sedimentation Tanks; Eikenhof system will operate at 80% capacity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Phase 8<\/strong> \u2013 Final 50-hour session to address O2 leak repairs<\/strong>, reducing water supply to the Palmiet system by 67%<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Why This Maintenance Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    According to Rand Water, the extensive programme is necessary to increase pumping capacity<\/strong>, improve plant availability<\/strong>, and boost long-term reliability<\/strong> across Gauteng\u2019s water infrastructure. The utility is dealing with aging pipelines and equipment<\/strong> that have been a source of persistent problems and supply interruptions in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    By executing this maintenance during winter months<\/strong>, when water consumption is at its lowest<\/strong>, Rand Water hopes to minimise the overall impact<\/strong> on households and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \u201cThe maintenance work has been strategically scheduled during the low consumption months of May to July 2025 to minimise disruptions and better manage the potential impact on water supply,\u201d the utility stated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    How Residents Can Prepare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In response to the scheduled outages and reduced supply, residents are urged to<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n