Johannesburg - Water supply has been restored to almost all the affected areas in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane metros, Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane announced on Monday.
Residents in parts of these metros have battled with water supply for the past month.
Briefing reporters at Rand Water offices in Johannesburg, Minister Mokonyane reiterated that there was never a water shortage in Gauteng but rather a technical glitch due to cable theft that impacted distribution.
She said it was time that cable theft was taken seriously and not as a petty crime but as economic sabotage.
Minister Mokonyane said her department had sought the help of the security cluster of government ministries in strengthening the protection of water supply infrastructure after electricity cables were stolen at a water pumping station last week. The power loss interrupted the distribution of water to thousands of households.
“At no point did we say this is because of a water shortage in Gauteng. We need to move away from raising panic and anxiety amongst our communities.
“The country is working, through the National Development Plan (NDP), on a long-term water plan, just like we are doing with roads, housing, arts and culture and any other matter.
“... We are calling on those who call themselves experts to contribute to this long-term plan. For now, there is no reason to panic on water availability,” she said.
She said that through provincial and local authorities, and through interventions by the department and stakeholders, the number of mobile tanks had been increased to people with no access to water.
Thirty thousand pamphlets were also distributed to residents as well as information sharing with communities to make sure that residents had the right information.
The Minster also thanked communities for their patience and assistance.
“We are also humbled by the team spirit that has come out of this experience, which has happened for the first time in the history of Rand Water. Even though the fault doesn’t lie with Rand Water, collectively the energy sector and the water supply sector have taken responsibility in the situation.” – SAnews.gov.za
