Diepsloot Reservoir is officially launched

DIEPSLOOT – Johannesburg Water officially launched the Diepsloot Reservoir which will see a sustainable water supply to thousands of people.

April 17, 2018

Robyn Kirk 1 minute read

Nico de Jager and Mtshavheni Mukwevho cut the ribbon at the official launch. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Thousands of households in Diepsloot and surrounds will have better access to water now that the Diepsloot Reservoir has officially been put into operation.

The reservoir, which holds 25 megalitres of water and is about 55m in diameter, was officially launched by Johannesburg Water on 10 April at its site on Summit Road. The event was hosted by the managing director of the utility, Ntshavheni Mukwevho and was attended by Joburg Water staff, government officials and other stakeholders.

“We hope that the community [of Diepsloot] will come see what the state has done for them,” said Isaac Dhludhlu, the communications manager of the utility. “Joburg Water has done its part to provide sustainable water to residents.”

The new reservoir holds about 25 megalitres of water, and is 55m in diameter. Photo: Robyn Kirk

According to Mukwevho, Diepsloot extensions 2, 4 and 7 will particularly benefit from the reservoir as previously those areas only had access to water during off-peak times, late at night or early evening. The reservoir will also support areas outside Diepsloot such as Dainfern and Steyn City. The project was conceptualised in 2012, construction began in May 2015 and was completed in March of last year.

Fatima Chakana, also of Joburg Water, addressed the event to give an overview of the project.

“The new reservoir has a retention time of 28 hours, and has improved not only water but also water pressure as well, which there have been protests about in the past few years,” Chakana said.

“Twenty-two labourers were employed for the duration of the project, and they also received training, which is accredited, so they can be employed in the future.”

MMC Nico de Jager and managing director of Johannesburg Water Ntshavheni Mukwevho. They both addressed the audience during the launch. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Among the speakers was Nico de Jager, MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services. He reiterated the City of Johannesburg‘s commitment to improving infrastructure, an issue he said had been impacted by decades of underdevelopment.

“Johannesburg grows by about 3 000 people per month who [come here to] look for a better life,” he said.

“It is our aim to support them. To invest in infrastructure is to invest in the future.”

At the end of the speeches, De Jager and Mukwevho had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the reservoir.