Gauteng Water Shortage As Rand Water Maintenance Continues: Residents React

• Rand Water is in the final stages of its five-week maintenance programme, which started on 22 July 2024
• The project is meant to fix erratic water supply by fixing old infrastructure that has deteriorated or leaking and replacing pressure valves
• Residents of Johannesburg and Pretoria have been warned that it may take up to two weeks before the water system fully recovers

GAUTENG— An extensive project has been undertaken by Rand Water that has affected Johannesburg and Pretoria.

This week, the project focuses on the Palmiet and Mapleton stations. These stations will replace valves that control the water pressure. So, although Palmiet and Mapleton are located in Johannesburg, Pretoria is influenced by the water being cleaned and then pumped to the city.

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Rand Water's message to Gauteng residents

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Monday, Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo explained the importance of the maintenance.

“The reason we are undertaking this maintenance, we want to extend the lifespan of our assets so that in the long run we are able to supply water, we ensure that there is water security and sustained water supply in our areas.”

Unlike electricity, which can be turned off and on at the flick of a switch, water travels slower and reservoir levels, which in some cases are at zero, will need to fill again slowly.

Mzani reacts to the water shortage

South Africans often have humourous reactions to life and the struggles in South Africa, but we tap into the residents' feelings regarding the maintenance and the lack of water.

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@Sanush28, a Johannesburg resident, had this to say about the current state of affairs in her area:

"Ferndale, Randburg has been affected severely by water outages. The communication from City of Johannesburg is pathetic to say the least. The water tankers are few and far between. In addition, previously, JoJos would be located at each street corner for all residents to get access to water."

@akubenjalo1 has these wise words about the deployment time of tankers:

"Sending water tankers at 11:00am is a waste of time, as most people are at work! We need water and what's worse is the bills will be the same amount or more!"

@TREVORMOSES15 is feeling the hardships

"Water supply is a basic human right and you are denying us that right. Even when the National Party ran Pretoria, things actually worked, unlike now. Sies. 🤧😝"

@pule_jones from eNCA experienced this:

"I ran away from my place in JHB, to my mom in Pretoria for water. I get to Tshwane.. some parts have NO water still... where do I go now? BnB? Aowa. These metros are a mess!"

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@GerrieOfficial observed the following in Pretoria:

"Pretoria is scrambling to buy water with long lines in front of shops. Many are sold out. Will the citizens be happy about how this is being managed?"

DStv took the opportunity to promote the TV series Queen Modjadji, where sacrifices needed to be made for water. Queen Modjadji, or the Rain Queen, is said to have supernatural powers like the ability to control the clouds and create rain.

Hammanskraal's water plant delayed

Briefly News earlier reported that the city of Tshwane announced that the water purification facility for the Hammanskraal area is set to be operational by September. Initially planned to start functioning in March 2024, this plant will supply 40 megalitres of purified water daily.

This installation is a segment of a three-year initiative launched in response to the 2023 cholera outbreak, which resulted in 23 fatalities.

Source: Briefly News