By Jonews reporter
THE force of gravity has ensured that residents of Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, have an improved water supply. For years, frequent electricity shutdowns have disabled the area's water pumps, cutting off access to water.
According to Johannesburg Water, the city's water and sanitation utility, a redesign of the area's water supply system means that the system is no longer dependent on electricity, but runs on gravity instead.
"A new water connection was tied in from the main water supply to the high-level water reservoir in Orange Farm," says spokesperson Jameel Chand.
"This connection, located in a high-lying area of Orange Farm makes it possible for the water to feed into the reservoir and supply area through the force of gravity thereby eliminating the dependency on electricity supply to pump the water."
Households in Stretford Ext. 4 have also benefited, Chand says. They can now access water from their homes, instead of communal standpipes, as their old water pipes have been replaced and new valves and meters have been installed on their properties. A sewer system has also been constructed for the area, improving sanitation.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Water's customer call centre is recording "optimal" growth, according to spokesperson Dudu Lushaba. Ninety percent of its calls are answered within 30 seconds.
The centre was created in August 2001. It logs about 35 000 calls every month, and processes about 20 000 jobs a month. The centre is located at 58 Frederick Street in Alris Court in Marshalltown.
E-mail the centre at customerservice@jwater.co.za. If you want to register online with Johannesburg Water or discover the latest information about water interruptions, visit their website at www.johannesburgwater.co.za.
Report your water leaks to Johannesburg Water's 24-hour helpline: 011 688-1500.
