1. The Vlakfontein Reservoir was substantially completed on the 31 March 2023. Subsequently, it had to be filled to full capacity to test for leaks and to allow for backfilling around the reservoir which was completed on the 20 September 2023. The reservoir was then commissioned on the 21 September 2023 for normal operations.
2. Two major water outages affected the Mapleton System supply (which supplies Vlakfontein) because of power failures at Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant. These water outages were promptly communicated to customers through various media platforms. Unfortunately, power failures cannot be communicated in advance as they are not planned. The system has however experienced multiple and extended power failures at Mapleton Pumping Station which receives power from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Rand Water is in the process of installing generators at Mapleton Pumping Station which will be used as alternative power supply. The full commissioning of the generators is planned for first quarter of 2024.
3. There are municipal areas that are dependent on Rand Water’s reservoir levels being high. These areas will then get affected if reservoir levels are lower. Reservoir levels depends on consumption downstream as well as consistent pumping/supply. Besides failures experienced at Zuikerbosch and Mapleton Pumping Station; the municipalities have also been consuming more than what was allocated to them and as a result depleting the reservoir storages. Ideally, municipalities are also expected to have booster pumping stations to counteract reliance on higher Rand Water reservoir levels.
4. Please refer to the answer provided under Question 1.
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