UPDATE: Vandalism now blamed for no water

As the water interruption affecting large parts of Benoni enters its eighth day, Rand Water has issued a statement blaming vandalism for putting further strain on the struggling system.

According to the utility’s general manager of operations, Simon Xaba, it was discovered that the A8 and B1 chambers were vandalised, affecting supply to the Zwartkopjes system.

“Our teams are busy with repairs, but the turn-around time has not yet been established,” said Xaba.

“Pumping at Zwartkopjes booster pumping station was reduced to 80% because the sumps cannot be maintained. The latest incident resulted in the depletion of all Rand Water reservoirs, mostly affecting Benoni, Yeoville and Forest Hill.”

The MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Senzi Sibeko, responded by saying the Ekurhuleni metro’s executive committee is in constant communication with Rand Water and is monitoring the situation that resulted in the city’s reservoirs operating at critically low levels.

The spokesperson for the metro, Zweli Dlamini, said last week that pumps at the Benoni reservoirs (Northmead) had to be switched off because both units’ water levels were below 20%.

He said they took the decision to allow the reservoirs to fill to optimum operational levels of 30%.

It was reported on March 20 that Vlakfontein 1 and 2 had recovered to 31% and 36%, respectively. However, Benoni 1 and 2 remained low at 18% and 16%.

“Ward councillors representing the affected areas are calling for an urgent investigation into this matter,” said Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph.

“We need to know why the water from the Rand Water system is not filling the affected reservoirs to optimum levels, thus leaving our taps dry and the community frustrated.”

Sibeko further said the metro would hold the utility responsible for its lack of service delivery.

“I apologise to residents for this ongoing issue. Rand Water will be held accountable, and we will continue to apply pressure to ensure the matter is resolved as soon as possible,” said Sibeko.

At the time of publication, no other updates had been received from Rand Water. However, consumers should continue using water sparingly.

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