The Molteno Reservoir in Oranjezicht reopened to the public yesterday (14 February) following its closure in March 2020 due to the lockdown restrictions.
The facility is the city’s oldest water reservoir still in use and was built between 1877 and 1881. It is also the city’s fifth largest reservoir and is named after the colony’s first prime minister, John Molteno.
The reservoir provided sufficient storage capacity for the city for decades, until massive urbanisation in the 20th century meant drawing on the much larger Western Cape water supply system.
Today the reservoir remains a critical part of the City of Cape Town’s modern water system.
In February 2020 emergency repairs were done on the water supply main reservoir. The work included the replacement of a valve on the pipeline from the Oranjezicht Reservoir to the distribution network.
Francine Higham, Ward 77 councillor, says the reservoir will be open to the public for walking or running daily between 07:00 and 11:00 and then again between 16:00 to 19:00.
“Like many city facilities, the Molteno Reservoir was closed in March 2020 to reduce the risk of city officials getting infected as this would have reduced the operational capacity of this important water facility.”
Higham says the restricted hours will allow officials to complete essential work around the facility.
“We encourage all residents to enjoy the Molteno Reservoir safely and with respect to our City officials who continue to work in the area. Please stick to the pathway around the reservoir, and please avoid the area around the offices of City officials or where work is being done around the reservoir.”
Higham adds: “We are pleased to be able to provide more public open spaces for all our residents to enjoy, and so I’d like to say thank you to our Mayco member for water, Zahid Badroodien, and the City officials for their efforts to re-open the Molteno Reservoir.”
