Mangaung Metro Completes Repairs on Uitkyk-DeHoek Pipeline, Water Restoration Begins in Bloemfontein
The Mangaung Metro Municipality has completed repairs on the Uitkyk-DeHoek pipeline, with water restoration beginning in Bloemfontein as re-filling of the 130-kilometre-long line commences, though full supply may take time due to high demand while water trucks and Jojo tanks continue to provide relief.
Swift Completion of Critical Repairs
In a welcome development for residents enduring days of water shortages, the Mangaung Metro Municipality announced on Friday, 23 August 2025, that repair work on the vital Uitkyk-DeHoek pipeline has been successfully completed. The pipeline, which supplies water to large parts of Bloemfontein and surrounding areas, suffered a major burst earlier in the week, leaving thousands without reliable access to this essential resource. Technicians worked around the clock to address the issue, connecting and fitting a 1200 mm OD distance piece and resealing internal joints to restore integrity to the infrastructure. [3] [5]
Municipality spokesperson Qondile Khedama confirmed the progress, stating that re-filling of the 130-kilometre-long pipeline has now commenced. This marks a crucial step towards normalising supply, with water expected to start flowing to most affected areas by evening. However, Khedama cautioned that total restoration will take time, primarily due to pent-up demand and the need to build sufficient pressure in the system. “Most areas will start to get water in the evening although total restoration will take time due to demand,” he explained, urging patience from the community as the network stabilises.
The repairs were carried out efficiently, with updates shared via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram by My City Bloemfontein, showing on-site progress including the busy teams sealing joints and fitting components. The official City of Mangaung account on X also affirmed the completion, providing reassurance to anxious residents monitoring the situation online.
Impact of the Pipeline Burst on Residents
The outage began on Tuesday, 20 August 2025, when a burst was detected on the DeHoek-Uitkyk pipeline, affecting northern parts of Bloemfontein and beyond. Residents in suburbs such as Universitas, Langenhovenpark, Heuwelsig, Woodland Hills, and parts of the CBD reported low to no water pressure, forcing many to rely on stored supplies or seek alternatives. Hospitals, schools, and vulnerable communities were prioritised for emergency deliveries, but the disruption caused widespread inconvenience, with some households going without running water for up to four days. [10] [13]
This incident echoes previous challenges in the region, including similar bursts in 2023 and 2017 that highlighted ageing infrastructure and maintenance backlogs in the Mangaung Metro. In March 2023, a comparable repair on the same pipeline took about 12 hours, but affected southern areas, with water tankers deployed to mitigate the impact. Experts have long pointed to underinvestment in water systems as a root cause, exacerbated by rapid urban growth and climate variability leading to increased strain on resources. [12] [13]
Community feedback on social media reflected frustration but also appreciation for the updates. One resident commented on the My City Bloemfontein post, noting the relief at seeing progress photos, while others called for long-term solutions like pipeline upgrades to prevent future outages. [1] [3]
Restoration Process and Timeline
With repairs done, the focus shifts to re-filling the extensive pipeline, a process that involves pumping water back into the system to rebuild pressure gradually. Khedama indicated that while initial flows could reach taps by evening, higher-lying areas or those farther from reservoirs might experience delays of 48 to 72 hours. This staggered recovery is necessary to avoid further bursts from sudden surges and to manage the high demand from depleted household tanks and reservoirs. [0] [1] [2]
Residents are advised to use water sparingly during this period to aid the process, boiling it if necessary for safety. The municipality has committed to monitoring the system closely, with teams on standby for any emerging issues. In a follow-up notice at 06:20 on 23 August, officials confirmed the start of re-filling and outlined the expected timeline, emphasising that patience is key to a smooth restoration. [1] [2]
Continued Support Through Water Trucks and Jojo Tanks
To bridge the gap until full supply resumes, the deployment of water trucks and the filling of Jojo tanks will persist across affected neighbourhoods. These measures, already in place since the burst was reported, have been crucial in supplying clean water to priority sites like healthcare facilities, old age homes, and schools. Khedama assured that this support will continue unabated until every tap runs steadily, preventing any further hardship for vulnerable groups.
Similar strategies were employed during past incidents, such as the 2017 double burst that affected southern Bloemfontein, where tankers provided relief for 24 hours. Residents can contact the Mangaung Call Centre at 0800 111 300 or email enquiry@mangaung.co.za for updates on tanker locations or to report persistent issues.
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