Midrand area hit by water supply shortage
MIDRAND – Water tankers will be dispersed to affected areas as Rand Water cannot commit to turnaround time.
Residents of greater Midrand are advised to use water sparingly due to a burst pipe on the Rand Water main line which has already left some areas with dry taps.
Johannesburg Water indicated that the burst pipe has impacted on its ability to supply water to the residents of greater Midrand and the surrounding areas.
The burst happened in the Midrand area on 2 January. “Rand Water’s technical team is working around the clock attending to the problem and there is no estimated time of completion yet,” said spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, Isaac Dhludhlu.
He added that the water supply is running critically low in some reservoirs and water towers including in Randjesfontein, President Park, Grand Central, E Rand, Corporate Park Reservoir and Rabie Ridge.
Areas that are already experiencing low pressures and out of water are Midrand, Kyalami, Ivory Park, Noordwyk, Vorna Valley, Rabie Ridge, President Park, Ebony Park Grand Central and Carlsworld.
Ward 112 councillor Madeleine Hicklin said she was greatly distressed by the pending water crisis. “But one has to bear in mind that infrastructure maintenance has not been what it should have been for over 20 years”.
Hicklin also said they were doing everything in their power as a City to be proactive and responsive to residents. “But we need to be realistic about what can be achieved in a mere 16 months.”
According to Dhludhlu, Rand Water cannot commit on turnaround time yet. He said water tankers would be made available for the affected residents to use as an alternative water supply.
“Johannesburg Water is committed to providing water and sanitation that is of high quality to all residents of the City of Johannesburg and we apologise to residents for the inconvenience caused.”
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