Government has announced a series of measures to fast-track the recovery of water supply in Gauteng following recent disruptions.
According to the Presidency, Rand Water has restored operations to full capacity. However, municipal systems—particularly in the City of Johannesburg—remain under strain due to low reservoir levels, heightened demand during the heatwave, ageing infrastructure, and water losses averaging 33%.
To accelerate recovery, government is implementing several interventions, including controlling system recovery and load shifting, deploying water tankers to affected areas, and providing technical support to municipalities.
The measures follow Friday's meeting convened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Water Task Team, with Ministers and senior officials to assess water supply challenges across Gauteng.
The Water Task Team was briefed that electro-mechanical failures at Rand Water pump stations, along with a major pipe burst in late January, temporarily reduced bulk water supply.
“Government expects supply to progressively stabilise over the coming week, subject to reduced demand. Water security remains a national priority, and the Water Task Team will continue to monitor implementation and enforce compliance where necessary,” the Presidency said.
Meanwhile, a team of Ministers has been engaging on the ground with Gauteng provincial leadership and municipalities—particularly Johannesburg—where plans are underway to resolve the water crisis.
The Deputy President is also expected to visit Johannesburg next week to monitor the interventions. — SAnews.gov.za
