Update Video
GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The George Campus of Nelson Mandela University experienced a challenge in water supply from Friday 24 February that had nothing to do with the accommodation crisis on the campus, according to the head of communications, Milisa Piko.
"It is unfortunate that there is a video circulating on social media, depicting the water challenge as one which speaks to the accommodation crisis on the campus," said Piko.
Piko responded to a video sent to George Herald by students of a residence where there was no water supply.
She said the university reported the water issue on Friday to George Municipality. "The municipality immediately engaged with the university to identify the problem. Throughout the weekend our technical services team together with the municipality technicians were on site to inspect the cause of the interruption."
VIDEO: Supplied
She said the challenge in water supply to the campus had to be investigated along the line between the Denneoord reservoir and the George Campus reservoir, a distance of approximately 5,3 kilometres. The whole length of the line had to be walked to inspect the possible cause.
"On Monday 27 February it was still unclear where the disruption was coming from, and while the inspection and repair work continue, our campus was still without water."
To mitigate the situation, water tankers were dispatched from the municipality and water tanks around campus were filled to ensure there is sufficient water for the ablution facilities. Furthermore, 25-litre water containers with flushing water have been delivered to areas around campus.
Arrangements were put in place to distribute fresh water for consumption to staff and students. Additionally, ten 25-litre bottles with drinking water were delivered to the dining hall for further distribution to residences.
She said inspections in very difficult terrain by George Campus technical and municipal staff resulted in a solution which was effected on Tuesday 28 February at 13:30.
"At the rate of water flowing into the university reservoir, it will fill gradually during the rest of today and tomorrow."
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