Bedfordview water shortage frustrates many
Rand Water is struggling to keep up with the demand and efforts to keep the two reservoirs filled are failing.
Most taps went dry in Bedfordview last week, leaving residents not only frustrated, but also with flashbacks of last year’s crisis.
According to the ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys, both the Signal Hill and Malvern East reservoirs ran dry, leading to the interruption in supply.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) deployed four water tankers to the area last Friday to provide residents with water.
“The municipality wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reminds consumers to keep taps closed at all times,” said the spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe.
Clr Humphreys said Rand Water is struggling to keep up with the demand and efforts to keep the two reservoirs filled are failing.
“Given the extreme heat and no rain, supply is limited. Unfortunately, what also happens with this weather is that people immediately use more water and want more water. People are cooling down in showers and baths several times per day, where previously once a day was sufficient,” said Clr Humphreys.
She said people must avoid hosing down driveways, using garden sprinklers and washing cars.
“Even if you have a borehole, there is no doubt that we are entering an El Nino drought cycle (experts are saying three years). Our artesian water also needs to be conserved. Of course, policing of these issues is impossible and we need to rely on everyone’s cooperation and moral compass,” said Clr Humphreys.
In September 2014, residents were without water for over a week, after which the EMM’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Clr Aubrey Nxumalo, announced plans to build two reservoirs and bring in six water tankers come June 2015.
During last year’s water shortage, Mr Mduduzi Mkhize blamed the shortage on power challenges and a high demand season.
“It is a challenge for the entity to fill up all the reservoirs, not only because we are in a high demand season, but because as the water goes into the reservoirs, it goes out immediately because a lot of people use the water, making the increase in the reservoir insufficient,” said Mr Mkhize.
At the time of going to press, it was not known how long it would be before water is restored.
