By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sandton residents are bracing themselves for spending weekend without water as Rand Water and Johannesburg Water announced a critical 20-hour maintenance project.
The replacement of the Sandton meter isolating valve was initially scheduled for Thursday, 11 January, but was postponed due to severe weather conditions.The replacement will now start on Friday, 19 January.
The repairs are expected to start on Friday at 5 pm and is scheduled to last until Saturday at 1 pm.
During this period, there will be no bulk water supply coming to the Sandton meter as water will be isolated (closed). The meter provides water to other parts of Johannesburg north.
Some of the reservoirs to be affected include Bryanston, Illovo, Morningside, Linbro Park and Marlboro.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo says the reason for the emergency repair is to urgently replace an isolating valve.
“Johannesburg Water commits to do everything within its powers to ensure that their reservoirs that are supplied from the Sandton meter are filled to maximum capacity before the maintenance to minimise supply interruptions.
Johannesburg Water reassures residents that alternative water supply measures will be in place if necessary. The proactive approach minimises the impact on residents while facilitating the critical repairs needed for the Sandton water infrastructure.