Joburg Water keeps an eye on areas affected by restrictions

Joburg Water is monitoring areas affected by low pressure and no water following restrictions imposed by Rand Water.

“The restrictions are between 20 to 40 per cent and tend to have an impact in certain parts of the city where pressure gets affected and leads to low pressure or no water. We are monitoring the affected areas and we appeal to affected residents to continue to work with us. We will provide an alternative supply until the situation improves,” said spokesperson for Joburg Water, Isaac Dhludhlu.

He was speaking shortly after the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu had urged South Africans to use water sparingly as the country experienced a heat wave and lack of rainfall. Sisulu was addressing the media at the offices of Rand Water in Glenvista on 28 October.

“There will not be a need for water shedding if water consumers adhered to calls to save water. There is no need for the public to panic at this stage. It is imperative for water consumers to be prudent in the way they use water,” said Sisulu.

The CEO for Rand Water Sipho Mosai revealed that there was a need to reduce national consumption from 5 000 megalitres per day to the required 4 400 megalitres per day to municipalities, to ensure continued water supply in the country. Due to the rise in demand, Rand Water has imposed water restrictions to municipalities.

Nonetheless, Dhludhlu said even with the current weather conditions, the 127 reservoirs and water towers under Joburg Water would still have the capacity to cater for residents through the festive season without effecting water cuts.

“We get our water from the Vaal Dam through Rand Water as our supplier. Then there is what we call the Integrated Vaal River System made up of 13 other dams which are in a better condition than the Vaal at this moment… the Vaal will be replenished as and when the need arises. Consumers must continue using water sparingly as South Africa is a water-scarce country,” said Dhludhlu.

What other avenues do you think the government should explore to avoid water cuts?

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