The City of Ekurhuleni has heightened its efforts to eradicate water loss and ensure citizens have access to an adequate water supply, by embarking on a R19.5 million project in the Germiston Central Business District (CBD).

Germiston is one of the oldest areas in Ekurhuleni therefore its infrastructure and piping systems are gradually reaching the end of their lifespan. As a result, more than half (53%) of the water supply to the CBD was recorded as water losses.

“The piping system in the Germiston CBD comprises mostly of steel, cast iron and asbestos infrastructure that inevitably rusts as it ages,” said Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe.

“The water loss eradication programme is therefore not only aimed at saving this precious resource that has no substitute, but it’s also aimed at safeguarding the quality of drinking water supplied to our residents,” he continued.

As the water network in the Germiston CBD area is upgraded the existing pipes will be replaced with underground polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.

Presently a total of 14 428 meters of PVC pipes have been installed and a total of 18 509 meters is yet to be laid.

Once all aged pipes have been replaced the City will disable the old water network and switch to the new one which is expected to decrease water loss occurrences.

“The municipality wishes to thank its residents for their co-operation and urges motorists and pedestrians to be patient while construction work is being carried out,” Gadebe added.

Customers will also be notified in advance of the water supply interruptions that will be implemented to make way for connections to take place.