Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has welcomed the signs of recovery in water storage levels at several reservoirs in the City of Tshwane, noting that most areas of Region 1 in the north western part of the city are now receiving water as recovery efforts gain momentum.
Mahlobo, accompanied by the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Utility Services, Frans Boshielo, conducted an oversight visit to the Klipgat, Mabopane Main and Soshanguve L reservoirs on Wednesday.
The visit aimed to assess progress made by the city in implementing measures to increase water supply capacity, stabilise reservoir levels, and strengthen system performance in critical areas.
The Soshanguve L Reservoir remained stable throughout the day, with all areas supplied directly and through the tower zone currently receiving water.
Reservoir levels at Mabopane Main, Klipgat and Kruisfontein remain low but are holding steady and showing slow, gradual improvement as system balancing measures continue.
Mahlobo emphasised that the department’s primary objective is to support and strengthen the city’s efforts to restore stable water supply.
“We are here first and foremost to support the City of Tshwane and to ensure that residents receive reliable water supply. Our approach is to work with the city, provide the necessary intervention, and assist in accelerating progress where challenges exist.”
However, Mahlobo emphasised that support must be met with decisive action, warning that if the city fails to fulfil its responsibilities and stepping up its performance, the department will not hesitate to escalate its intervention.
“Where there is insufficient progress, we will take the necessary steps to assume greater responsibility to safeguard water security for residents,” said the Deputy Minister.
While reiterating that cooperative governance remains the preferred approach, he stressed that accountability and measurable improvements are non-negotiable to ensure sustainable service delivery.
Mahlobo also raised serious concern about the condition of certain facilities, citing inadequate maintenance and neglect. He directed that the Soshanguve L Reservoir be restored to full operational capacity within three months, describing its current condition as unacceptable and in urgent need of remedial action.
He further noted that the Klipgat Reservoir is equipped with the necessary infrastructure and equipment, which must be properly maintained and effectively utilised to support supply stability.
The oversight visit forms part of the department’s ongoing interventions to address persistent water supply challenges in Gauteng, where residents continue to experience intermittent supply due to system pressure constraints, rising demand, and ageing infrastructure.
The department and the city will continue close monitoring of the system and implementation of corrective measures.
Residents have been urged to use water sparingly to sustain recovery efforts and support long-term system stability. – SAnews.gov.za
