Latest news with #SouthAfricanNationalStandard
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Mayor's bold steps to fix city's infrastructure
In Part Two of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) breakdown, the spotlight is on infrastructure development, including the rehabilitation of the Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works, upgrades to sewer pump stations, a roads masterplan, and efforts to stabilise the energy supply. The Krugersdorp News will provide a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed during the SOCA to help the public better understand the mayor's message and plans. • Also read: Mayor speaks frankly on Mogale City's troubles, shares optimism • Drinking water In his address on June 19, he said that when they assumed office, the state of water and sanitation infrastructure in Mogale City presented a daunting reality. 'Years of underinvestment, vandalism, theft of critical components, and ageing infrastructure had left our systems vulnerable and many of our communities disillusioned. Sewer overflows in informal settlements, unreliable water supply in peri-urban areas, and non-functional wastewater treatment facilities were not just technical challenges; they were a threat to human dignity, public health, and environmental sustainability. 'We resolved to restore dignity and reinstate infrastructure with a clear plan, committed leadership, and collaborative partnerships,' he added. Sele state that the Water and Sanitation Division continued to do their part in restoring water standards, where the South African National Standard that specifies the minimum requirements for drinking water to be considered safe for human consumption, gave the city 100% compliance across all water distribution points, which includes reservoirs, water tankers, and hydrants. He added, this was due to a robust partnership with Rand Water and Johannesburg Water, ensuring that residents receive safe, high-quality water. • Sewer pump stations Sele said they have responded to backlogs, where they have refurbished 17 sewer pump stations to date, with the remainder scheduled for completion in the 2025/ 26 financial year. 'These upgrades are crucial in reducing environmental pollution, improving public health outcomes, and ensuring compliance with national legislation. In areas such as Noordheuwel, the replacement of ageing asbestos cement pipes with UPVC has improved water safety and reduced service interruptions. 'In preparation for population growth and greater demand, we have committed substantial capital investment to further strengthen our infrastructure backbone. This includes the construction of the Muldersdrift 15 megalitre reservoir, the replacement of water meters to curb non-revenue water, and major upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities.' • Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) Sele announced the rehabilitation of the Percy Stewart and Flip Human WWTW, which were previously non-operational due to cable theft and infrastructure decay. 'Percy Stewart is now 60% complete, and Flip Human at 29%, with full operation anticipated by the end of the 2025/ 26 financial year. Interventions include restoring electrical systems, improving sludge handling, and unblocking pipelines, measures that are key to halting raw sewage discharge, protecting the environment, and ensuring biological efficiency in line with Water Use Licenses.' • Also read: Over R22m allocated to revive Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works He added that in Magaliesburg, the local WWTW is structurally complete and will be commissioned once adequate flow is achieved from nearby pump stations. He stated that Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) took hands with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), where ISA has committed to collaborating with MCLM on the proposed water and sanitation infrastructure plans submitted for consideration. • Municipal roads and transport infrastructure He acknowledges years of deferred maintenance and procurement failures have left potholes, flooded intersections, and dust-swept gravel stretches in areas including townships, informal settlements and the CBD. The Roads and Transport Division has begun to turn things around. In the 2024/ 25 financial year, over R3.6m was allocated towards gravel material and plant hire, with actual maintenance work commencing in February 2025. 'This has allowed the municipality to reclaim 95km of gravel roads through maintenance, with 3.5km already repaired, bringing much-needed relief to rural communities,' he revealed. 'Surfaced road upgrades are also taking shape. While procurement delays did impede early delivery, we have still achieved notable progress. Over 13 000 potholes have been repaired, and key stormwater systems have been cleared, mitigating flooding and improving road safety in affected wards.' • Also read: R563 provincial road remains a problem He said their broader vision is backed by a R38m capital expenditure allocation, targeting strategic resurfacing works in Kagiso, Munsieville, Azaadville, Rietvallei and the Krugersdorp CBD. 'Planning is currently underway to revise our Roads Masterplan. The aim is to align transport infrastructure with future spatial development needs, ensuring that our roads don't merely respond to today's pressure but anticipate tomorrow's growth.' • Electricity 'We are proud to report that the Energy Services Division has delivered measurable and meaningful progress regarding stabilising the energy infrastructure. In the past financial year, we electrified over 1 000 households, bringing power and hope to previously marginalised areas. We've installed smart electricity meters, which enable efficient billing, prevent illegal connections, and empower residents to manage their usage more effectively. We have also undertaken critical upgrades to ageing substations, reinforcing the backbone of our municipal energy grid to reduce unplanned outages and improve service reliability.' Sele added, to enhance community safety and visibility, especially in high-risk areas, the municipality has rolled out high-mast lighting installations and accelerated the repair of dysfunctional streetlights across various wards, where this has not only improved mobility and security but also reignited a sense of public order and shared urban space. We are currently developing an Energy Services Master Plan, which will serve as the blueprint for long-term energy infrastructure investment and equitable access to electricity across the city. 'This master plan is a critical milestone in aligning our city with national energy priorities, advancing energy justice, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the division.' In the third part of the series, the News will explain how the mayor addresses human settlements and real estate. Have your say by sending an email to heinrichg@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
22-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
Water discolouration reported in Tshwane - Is it safe to drink?
The City of Tshwane says despite discolouration, the water supplied to people is safe to drink. Water discolouration was reported in various parts of Pretoria North and East. The City of Tshwane said Rand Water has observed an increase in water discolouration within its bulk supply network and is actively monitoring the situation . The municipality assured that all water quality tests remain within the South African National Standard's prescribed limit for colour (SANS 241). 'A similar occurrence was last noted in 2021 following the rapid filling of the Vaal Dam. According to the water utility, when the dam fills quickly, submerged riparian vegetation releases natural organic matter into the source of the water, giving it a yellowish to brownish tint. This discolouration may be visible when filling a bath, sink, or basin. 'While the discoloured water may appear unpleasant, it is important to note that these natural organic compounds are harmless and pose no risk to human health,' the City of Tshwane said. Pretoria North Akasia/Theresapark Orchards Rosslyn Sinoville Waterkloof Waterkloof Ridge Erasmusrand Laudium Eldoraigne Rooihuiskaal Louwlardia Queenswood Kilner Park Silverton Rietondale Murrayfield Lynnwood Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Beware of illegal refilling
However, to save additional money, some individuals may unwittingly buy unsafe, illegally filled LPG cylinders. 'If an unauthorised party/person fills the branded cylinder of a legitimate company, instead of the owner of the branded cylinder themselves, or an approved distributor, then it is considered illegally filled,' explains Nomkhosi Makhathini of Easigas. 'The South African National Standard, SANS 10019, requires that all LPG cylinders must be handled and filled by competent and authorised persons, and illegal refillers are usually not adequately trained on how to handle LPG.' Makhathini outlines the dangers of buying an illegally refilled cylinder: * Illegal refillers take no liability for accidents. * They do not check theintegrity of cylinders beforefilling them, which couldresult in leaks. * Illegally refilled cylinders are not maintained. * Cylinders filled illegally are often under-filled and sometimes filled with ill-suited substances to increase the weight artificially, meaning consumers will pay more per kilogram of gas. This not only shortchanges buyers but also results in LPG that burns inefficiently, making it more expensive in the long run. * Cylinders can also be overfilled and pose a major threat to the public. * Dealers who buy illegally filled cylinders are breaking the law. * These cylinders could leak or rupture at home with devastating consequences for the public. Six tips to identify illegally filled cylinders: * Examine the seal: Every cylinder should be sealed with a plastic wrap featuring the gas supplier's official branding and a serial number verifying where it was filled. * The seal's branding should match the logo printed on the cylinder. * Check the last recertification date: This information is found on the neck ring and should be less than 15 years old to ensure the cylinder remains safe for use. * Look for dents: A cylinder should have a symmetrical shape without any distortions or visible damage, as dents may compromise its integrity. * Inspect the foot ring: A dented foot ring would not pass a legitimate LPG supplier's safety standards, as it could indicate structural weakness. * Assess the physical condition: Be wary of signs of corrosion, burns, bulges, or any illegal repairs or modifications. These could suggest exposure to unsafe conditions or inadequate maintenance. * Perform a leak test: Apply soapy water around the valve. If bubbles form, there is a gas leak, and the cylinder should not be used. 'Consumers hold the key to addressing illegal refilling through their purchasing decisions. By making informed choices, they can protect themselves and their families from harm while supporting a regulated industry that upholds strict safety and quality standards,' she concludes. Should you suspect your cylinder has been illegally refilled, report it to SAPS or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Here's when City Power won't pay up or fix your outage
As well as the Johannesburg city by-laws, City Power derive their responsibilities from several other national directives. City Power have clarified its rights and responsibilities relating to the supply of electricity. The entity recently stated that it would not be footing the bill for the replacement of a particular section of electrical infrastructure, prompting queries from residents. City Power has since provided a detailed description of the sections of the installations and outlined the legislation that governs their interactions with electricity users. Connections in three parts City Power uses the South African National Standard (SANS) 10142 to define the sections that the service connection is divided into. The service connection is made up of three parts: the point of connection, the point of metering, and the point of control. The point of connection is where the service cable receives the electrical supply from the grid, and the point of metering is where the meter is installed. '[The point of connection] is distinguished by a switching device and is usually rated above all other succeeding breakers on the service cable,' City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena explained to The Citizen. 'Meters form an integral part of the local authority's equipment, and the consumer does not have access to or authority over this part of the service cable,' he added. City Power stated in late April that customers would be responsible for the replacement cost of the final part of the service connection should it be damaged or stolen. 'The next and very important part is the consumer's point of control. This section is sectionalised by a breaking device — circuit breaker or isolator,' said Mangena. 'These breakers are located on the property boundary, within a meter receptacle with the code name ME1/3in the City Power area of supply,' he explained. Point of control From this point onward, the consumer is responsible for maintaining and carrying out any work on the service cable. 'In paid service connections, the applicant pays City Power for infrastructure up to the point of control. Consumers are responsible for supplying the point of control breaking device and its housing,' Mangena said. He added a definition from SANS 10142, noting that a point of control could be a 'point at which a consumer can, on or in any premises, switch off the electrical installation from the electricity supplied from the point of supply.' Mangena said City Power's responsibilities to its customers were grounded in four key documents. As well as the City of Johannesburg by-laws, electricity supply is governed by Section 4 and 5 of the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, the Municipal Systems Act of 2000 and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa's (Nersa) National Regulatory Standards (NRS) 047,048 and 049. Reliable and safe supply is covered by the city by-laws and NRS 048, while metering and billing are defined in the by-laws, NRS 047, and the Municipal Systems Act. Fault response and maintenance are covered in NRS 047 and 049, with tariffs determined by Nersa and the Electricity Regulation Act. Protecting infrastructure Residents are allowed to install protective measures up to the point of control. These measures include conduit pipes on private property, cable covers and trenched and buried cable routing at approved depths. Residents are still required to report any damage immediately to City Power and must obtain written consent from City Power for any alterations that may affect municipal infrastructure. Residents are prohibited from tampering with or working on cables outside their property or connecting to or altering City Power infrastructure without approval. The installation of makeshift protection such as steel cages, barbed wire or brackets are also prohibited, unless previously arranged with City Power. Replacing the point of control infrastructure is for the customer's account and must be done by a certified electrician. No customer may repair infrastructure up to the point of control. NOW READ: City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves
