BLOEMFONTEIN – The water supply to several Bloemfontein residential areas is being restored after residents experienced disruptions for two days. Disruptions was due to separate incidents – vandals targeted the bulk water pipe, while a mechanical issue caused further disruptions.

The Mangaung Metro Municipality confirmed that criminals targeted the main pipeline near Grootvlei Correctional Centre again yesterday – Saturday – resulting in water supply interruptions in southern parts of the city, in areas supplied by the Brandkop Reservoir. The act of vandalism on the bulk supply pipe affected more than 14 residential areas in the southern part of the city.

Nicollette Maysiels, acting spokesperson for Mangaung Municipality, said restoration of supply to reservoirs was on track, including in the northern areas of the city. She said the temporary disruption was related to a mechanical obstruction within a critical pipeline control component.

“Residents in high-lying areas may experience temporary delays as the system gradually regains pressure and stability. Assessments indicate that the restoration process and recovery of the supply system may take approximately 12 hours to complete. During this period, affected reservoirs and distribution networks will be recharged before normal supply can be fully restored,” said Maysiels, lamenting the negative impact of ongoing vandalism by criminals.

The impact is felt in the costs of repairing vandalised water infrastructure and clean water going to waste. She said criminals target valves, “thus compromising the integrity of the water network and adversely affecting service delivery to communities. Residents are urged to report any acts of vandalism of essential infrastructure, including bulk water,” said Maysiels.

She further warned that widespread incidents of valve vandalism had severely crippled supply across the metro, causing water outages and low pressure.