Tshwane Residents Brace for Eight-Hour Water Shutdown in Eastern Suburbs as Essential Maintenance Kicks Off
Pretoria – Households in parts of eastern Pretoria are gearing up for a day without running water as the City of Tshwane carries out vital repairs to the local network. The planned eight-hour interruption, set to run from 08:00 to 16:00 on Thursday, 20 November 2025, will affect areas around Die Wilgers while technicians connect a new Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) chamber to the existing system. City officials have apologised for the hassle but stressed that the work is key to better water pressure and long-term supply reliability in the region.
This latest shutdown comes amid ongoing efforts to fix ageing infrastructure in Tshwane, where similar fixes have become common to prevent bigger problems like bursts or low flow. Residents are being asked to store water ahead of time and use simple saving tricks to cope, as the city pushes for smarter use of this precious resource.
Details of the Planned Maintenance and Affected Areas
The Water and Sanitation Business Unit will focus on tying in the PRV chamber at the corner of Simon Vermooten and Furrow Roads in Die Wilgers. This upgrade aims to manage pressure more effectively, cutting down on leaks and ensuring steady supply for homes and businesses.
The outage will hit Die Wilgers, La Montagne, and the north-west section of Equestria. These spots, home to families, schools, and small shops, could face low or no water during the work. City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo urged calm: “Residents are urged to keep on using grey water to water gardens and flush toilets. Residents should report water leaks, burst pipes and all incidents where water is wasted. Where possible, water-saving devices should be installed.”
To prepare, locals should fill up buckets, bottles, and baths the night before. Past shutdowns, like the recent one in October 2025 affecting Mooikloof, Erasmia, Valhalla, and Heights reservoirs, showed how quick planning can ease the strain. That fix, also for valve replacements, wrapped up without major issues, but delays can happen if unexpected glitches pop up.
Why This Work Matters for Tshwane’s Water Future
Tshwane’s water network, serving over three million people, faces constant pressure from growth, old pipes, and weather woes. Upgrades like this PRV connection help control flow, reduce waste, and avoid emergencies like the floods warned about earlier this month due to heavy rains. The city has stepped up fixes after a September 2025 report flagged 39% water losses from leaks and theft – a big reason for shortages in some areas.
By tackling these spots, officials aim to build a more stable system. Similar projects in places like Murrayfield, planned for 25 November 2025, show this is part of a wider push. Without these steps, low-pressure zones could worsen, hitting daily life from cooking to hygiene.
The city has also boosted monitoring, with teams ready to fix bursts fast. But Mashigo noted that community help is key – spotting and reporting leaks can save millions of litres a year.
Resident Reactions and Tips for Coping
Many in the affected areas are no strangers to these interruptions, but frustration lingers. Local forums buzz with tips: use rainwater for plants, take short showers before the cutoff, and keep fridges stocked to avoid cooking needs. One Die Wilgers resident shared online: “We’ve had a few of these lately – better to be ready than sorry.”
Schools and businesses are planning ahead, with some shifting schedules or using stored water for essentials. Health experts remind vulnerable groups, like the elderly or those with medical needs, to stock up extra.
To cut long-term use, the city suggests low-flow taps and fixing drips – small changes that add up. With summer rains on the way, saving now helps stretch supplies during dry spells.
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