Beaufort West water crisis forces 12 schools to close

BEAUFORT WEST NEWS - Twelve public schools in Beaufort West were closed today, 7 September, and will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September, as the town continues to grapple with a severe water crisis following extensive damage to its water infrastructure.

The closures follow the heavy flooding of the Gamka River on Friday 4 September, which caused significant damage to Beaufort West’s main water supply infrastructure.

According to Beaufort West’s mayor, Georgina Duimpies, the municipality remains in a severe state of emergency after the flooding, which washed away a large portion of the town’s water infrastructure network.

The Western Cape Education Department said schools will communicate directly with the affected learners and parents regarding any revised examination schedules or alternative assessment arrangements where necessary.

Emergency water measures
The Western Cape Government said it was working with the Beaufort West Municipality and other stakeholders to address the damage to the town’s main water supply pipeline.

The Western Cape minister of local government, environmental affairs and development planning, Anton Bredell, said the province has made R1m available for emergency repairs.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure that residents continue to have access to safe drinking water while repairs are undertaken. We are working closely with the municipality to restore services as quickly as possible,” he said.

The provincial government and municipal officials are also co-ordinating the deployment of water tankers to the affected areas. Residents have been advised that, until further notice, water supplied by authorised water tankers is the only approved source of water for domestic use. Residents are urged not to drink or use water from household taps until the municipality confirms that the water supply is safe.

Water will be distributed from designated points across the town. Details of the distribution points, operating times and further updates will be communicated through the Beaufort West Municipality’s official communication platforms.

According to Duimpies, two water tanker trucks have already been deployed, while six JoJo tanks are on their way to Beaufort West. The municipality has also thanked those community members who have offered JoJo tanks and space on their properties for their placement, as well as access to borehole water for public use.

Duimpies called on residents to co-operate with the authorities, remain patient and use water sparingly during the crisis.

The provincial government said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

The affected schools are: