Update from the Dean of Students on the current water outage

19 Aug 2013 09h00

Yesterday there were mechanical and electrical problems which resulted in a further break-down in the Waainek pump. As result of pressure reduction, 5 residences are still without water: Amina Cachalia, Margaret Smith, Calata, Cullen Bowles and Ellen Kuzwayo.

Standard emergency measures remain in place to supply them with water for drinking and toilet flushing.  A call will go out to staff with a reliable water supply to ‘adopt a student’ and offer them a shower and quick laundry service. Coordination will be through the Hall Administrators.

The Regional Director of Water Affairs sent a rapid response team to attend to the problem last night, and while the pump is currently operational again, it is ‘extremely vulnerable’ to further break-downs. The University is escalating the matter to the highest level, as there is an urgent need to repair the stand-by pump (which is currently in Johannesburg) and to purchase an additional pump.

Makana Municipality has promised to provide a tanker dedicated to the supply of campus water needs for today. It is anticipated that the pressure should rise during the day.

My sincere thanks to everyone for their patience and fortitude during this difficult time.

 

Vivian de Klerk

 

DEAN OF STUDENTS