42 Rhodes residences without water

2013-08-14 20:12

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Johannesburg – Forty-two residences at Rhodes University
in Grahamstown are without water due to failed attempts to repair a pump, the
dean of students said on Wednesday.

“The most recent report from Makana municipality
indicates that the planned repairs on the Waainek pump were not successful, and
the pump is still not operational,” Vivian de Klerk said in a statement.

The university has been without water since last Tuesday.

“As an interim measure, water is now being diverted
from the Fish River scheme to fill certain dams in Grahamstown, and it is hoped
that the water will reach residents by late this evening.”

Students were given 2l of drinking water a day during
meal times at dining halls. Water was being provided to as many residences as
possible for flushing toilets.

“The university is monitoring the impact of the lack
of water on student health, and there is currently no cause for concern. I urge
all students to be meticulous about issues of hygiene,” De Klerk said.

The municipality said technicians were working on the problem.

A problem with the pump’s motor had been fixed.

Now, however, there was a problem with the device which
turned the pump on and off, depending on the water level in the tank, spokesperson
Yoliswa Ramokolo said.

“Maybe by the end of the week the system will be
working. At the moment water trucks are giving out water to all affected
areas.”