Pipe maintenance under way

Upgrades to the Bellville network will take around 11 months. File Picture

The planned upgrade and maintenance work on the water pipework network in Bellville is expected to be complete by June next year.

The City of Cape Town started upgrades on Monday July 10 .

The City is currently conducting a pressure management exercise within its reticulation network in Welgemoed, Welgedacht, Kanonberg, Van Riebeeckshof, Oude Westhof, Protea Valley, Door de Kraal, Loevenstein, Boston, Tygervalley, Kenridge, Rosendal, Ridgeworth, Oakdale, Bloemhof, Blomtuin, Stellenberg, Eversdal, Vredekloof and Brackenfell.

The main aim of this exercise is to identify and locate zone valves which control the feeds from the reservoirs.

Depending on the pressure, the City may install pressure-reducing valves in certain areas to reduce pressure.

Water pressure has been the main cause of pipe bursts in these areas.

The reticulation system is also being upgraded and maintained to reduce pipe bursts.

The City hopes to carry out most of the work from 8pm during the week, with slight water disruptions expected.

The water supply will be fully restored by 4am the following morning.

Residents are advised to store some water ahead of time in clean, sealed containers for domestic use during this period just as a precaution. They should also ensure that their taps are closed to avoid water losses or possible damage when the supply is restored.