A third pipe has been installed to increase the flow of water to the recently troubled Madibeng area.

The 600mm diameter pipe will increase the water flow up to 750m³ pumped per hour. “Upon switch on [last Thursday], the needs of more communities in the far flung and high lying areas who were experiencing erratic supply should now be relieved once the reservoir is augmented through the new pipe,” said Water Affairs Spokesperson Mava Scot.

According to Scot, the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has identified several other areas that may need attention now and in future and will be working to intervene in all problem areas.The DWA will also continue to monitor the situation in Madibeng and surrounding areas.

In an attempt to address the water crisis, South Africa has adopted a 10 year plan to address the estimated backlog of adequate water supply to 1.4 million households and basic sanitation to 2.1 million households through the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP) 18. The water projects will provide new infrastructure, rehabilitate and upgrade existing infrastructure, as well as improve water management infrastructure.