Tshwane water supply systems remain vulnerable as Rand Water and the City work around the clock to ensure stability
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo calls on the citizens of Tshwane to be very considerate when using water as some reservoirs in the city are experiencing slow recovery due to high-water usage by those in low-lying areas. This has resulted in residents in high-lying areas having no access to water.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo this morning, Sunday 10 September 2023, convened a meeting with Rand Water and the City of Tshwane to receive an update on the progress made in the restoration and sustainable supply of water in various parts of and City that have been experiencing shortages in recent weeks.
The Meeting, attended by the Chairperson of Rand Water, Mr Ramateu Monyokolo and City’s MMC for Utility Services and Regional Operations, Mr Themba Fosi was a follow-up to the meeting held a week ago to discuss and find a common solution to the water challenges affecting the city.
The Technical Team led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Provincial Head Mr Justice Maluleke, Rand Water Chief Executive, Mr Sipho Mosai and the City of Tshwane’s Group Head for Water and Sanitation, Mr Stephens Notoane provided a report back on the progress made by the collective on the action plan that was presented and committed to by the two institutions in order to restore water supply in areas that were experiencing challenges and ensure sustainable and efficient supply in the city.
The meeting reported and noted significant improvements as water supply has been restored in most areas. However, some parts of the city, especially high lying areas, are still grappling with water supply challenges as the system recovers.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo expressed his appreciation how the City and the water utility handled the situation, and, encouraged the two institutions to continue strengthening proactive engagement, cooperation, collaboration, coordination and communication for the benefit of the citizens.
As the two institutions continue in their effort to stabilise the system, the Deputy Minister further gave the collective two weeks to put together a medium to long term plan on how they are going to respond to this peak demand period that is exacerbated by high temperatures, interruptions in storage capacity recovery due to loadshedding, non-revenue water as well as how the city will receive the extra water to be allocated from Rand Water. In addition, the Deputy Minister urged the city to include in the plan how they will address the issue of leaks that is contributing to water losses in the distribution system.
The City of Tshwane has also acknowledged and recognised high water consumption on their end and undertook to work on a water conservation strategy to reduce usage.
Rand Water and the City of Tshwane continue to reaffirm their commitment to working collaboratively to provide a consistent supply of high-quality drinking.
Enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za
Makenosi Maroo
Cell: 072 545 5041
Sipho Stuurman
Cell: 076 965 4880
