Municipality removes illegal connections at Mamelodi reservoir

Illegal water connections at the R3 and R4 reservoirs that have caused Mamelodi’s water disruptions, as well as several illegal electricity connections have been removed by the Tshwane municipality this week.

MMC for Utilities and Regional Operations and Co-ordination Themba Fosi said these unauthorised connections, affecting both electricity and water supplies, were made to inlet valves of the Mamelodi R3 and R4 reservoirs that are vital components of the water supply infrastructure for Mamelodi and broader areas

He said during the operation, ‘we also dislodged and removed unauthorised water network components’.

“Recent challenges in maintaining optimal water levels were directly linked to these illegal connections, which compromised the integrity of the water supply system and impeded the reservoirs’ ability to meet community demands.”

MMC for Finance Jacqui Uys who was at the site, said the illegal connection caused a significant strain on the city’s finances and infrastructure.

She said Mamelodi residents have been plagued by irregular water supply for years and had to rely on water tanks.

“This is due to illegal connections into the reservoir.

The illegal connections were removed after we fenced the reservoir area so illegal connections cannot happen again,” said Uys.

She said the Tshwane metro also removed all illegal electricity connections to stabilise the power supply.