Cape Town announces a 12-hour water shutdown

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The City of Cape Town will carry out scheduled water infrastructure upgrades in Da Gama Park on Saturday, 26 April. The maintenance work, which includes replacing 130 metres of the water main along Da Gama Road, will result in a water shutdown from 9:00 to 21:00. The upgrade addresses ongoing pipe bursts that have affected the area in recent months.

Why is the water shutdown necessary

City officials emphasised the importance of the planned maintenance, describing it as a critical step in ensuring long-term water supply reliability.

“This critical maintenance work is done on our water supply infrastructure to benefit customers,” the city said in a statement.

The targeted section of Da Gama Road has suffered repeated pipe failures, prompting urgent action to reduce the risk of further service interruptions.

The affected areas include Glen Oak Road, Glen Hurst Road, Glen Road and nearby streets, where residents may experience low pressure or a complete loss of water during the maintenance period.

How Residents Should Prepare

In preparation for the temporary shutdown, the City has advised residents to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers.

“Residents are advised to store enough water in advance, as a precautionary measure,” the city said.

It also reminded residents to keep taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when restoring the supply.

Once water is turned back on, it may appear discoloured or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. The city assured residents this is temporary, and the water will clear up if left to stand.

Safety and Communication

All work sites are considered construction zones and are off-limits to the public. The city urged residents to avoid these areas for their safety. They also acknowledged the potential for delays.

“Sometimes the maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, which means the work could take longer,” officials noted.

Residents are encouraged to follow @CityofCTAlerts on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates and information about water tankers, if necessary.

How can the city improve communication and support during planned service disruptions?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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