Save H2O: Mismanagement played role in Gauteng metros’ water supply crisis

Joburg Water blames the heatwave and poor rainfall for the lack of water supply to residents, while City of Tshwane is also warning residents to restrict water use or face a system breakdown.

Rand Water has informed Gauteng metros that the current strain could lead to a “total system collapse.”

ALSO READ: ‘We should be investing R3 billion annually’: City of Joburg speaks on water crisis

Over the weekend, Joburg Water issued a notice that the water systems were under strain due to the persistent heatwave and lack of rain after Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda said the water system was in a better condition than it was last week and denied that Joburg was facing a water crisis.

“We’re not even close to assuming it’s a crisis, we have access to water. We were experiencing a technical issue,” he said last week.

However, some residents across Johannesburg have been struggling with water cuts. Some have been without water for 10 days and counting.

SA needs to save water

WaterCAN’s Dr Ferrial Adam said the water system was completely constrained at the moment.

“It’s a combination of issues with the pump stations, the amount of water pumped in and out and the fact that we are losing a lot of water through leaks, which is at 25%.

“In a water-scarce country like SA, we all need to save water,” she said.

Adam said Rand Water and Joburg Water should be honest and say their systems were constrained.

ALSO READ: Joburg Water blames heat and poor rainfall for lack of supply

“They need to take responsibility for the failing system we are in right now. They must admit they need help.”

Adam said people should restrict water consumption or face a possible collapse of the system.

“People must also start saving water. Even if you have borehole water, you need to start saving. If we don’t we are going to end up with a very dry Johannesburg.”

Water woes far from being over

Water expert Prof Anja du Plessis said the continuing and escalating water supply crisis within the City of Joburg was a prime example of how a once world-class city can experience ongoing intermittent water supply and/or dry taps, with the possibility of a day zero.

This is due to continued mismanagement, poor governance and little to no political will to address its water crisis.

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“The past two weeks have been dominated by the blame game between key role-players, with little to no clear communication while it became clear that the city’s water woes are far from being over or resolved,” she said.

Du Plessis said the water supply crisis can be attributed to a combination of forces, escalating at a rapid rate.

“Some of these include the expansion of the city with an apparent lack of planning to ensure water security, non-maintenance of collapsing water infrastructure, lack of skilled and experienced personnel and overall mismanagement.”

Rand Water systems under pressure

Tshwane’s MMC utility services and regional operation and coordination Themba Fosi said Rand Water had given notice of a potential water supply crisis.

“The City of Tshwane held an emergency meeting this morning with representatives from Rand Water, the City of Joburg and the City of Ekurhuleni to address a severe strain on the Rand Water supply system, which is on the verge of collapse,” he said.

Fosi said Rand Water’s total water storage has plummeted to below 30%, necessitating immediate interventions to mitigate the crisis.

“What has transpired in Joburg over the past two weeks is a serious concern to Tshwane. It is evident that Rand Water systems are under severe pressure,” he said.

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