During the weekend of 29/30 March 2025 the NMBM suffered two electricity outages in Kariega and Motherwell. To a large extent the electricity was re-established to Kariega and all water and sanitation systems are operational apart from Van Riebeeck Pump Station. Unfortunately, the Motherwell outage is more extensive and will only be re-established by 06/07 April 2025.
The outage in Motherwell has greatly affected the ability to transfer ±100 Ml/d to the western parts of the NMBM and Kariega.
Water Supply Intervention:
Firstly, the planned repairs on the Churchill pipeline have been postponed. As an interim measure, the NMBM has increased the abstraction from the Loerie, Churchill, and Impofu Dams to compensate for the shortage. Transfer pump stations are being used to transfer water into the Chelsea Reservoir that is the most affected.
The Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works has not been affected by the electrical outages, but the water cannot be pumped by the Motherwell Booster resulting in a shortage of ±100 Ml/d. Certain parts of the supply system have been periodically throttled to ensure some water to all parts of the supply system.
Chelsea Reservoir has recovered only to 8% overnight. But this is not sufficient and therefore the team has already looked at large capacity generators to assist. These are not readily available, but an update will be provided timeously.
The storage in the main affected distribution reservoirs that are affected are:
- Motherwell – 49%
- Chelsea – 8% – critical
- Greenbushes – 11% – critical
- Summit – 8% – critical
- Emerald Hill – 80%
- KwaNobuhle Res4 – 80%
Although some of the system reservoirs are relatively full, the current high demand (around 370 Ml/d) might force the situation to quickly change.
The above situation impacts negatively on the whole water supply system as about 30% less water of the average daily demand is not available from Nooitgedagt because of the pump station in Motherwell not having electricity.
Given the critical water supply situation, all water users are requested to use water sparingly.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
