Tshwane to deploy guards to secure Mams reservoir

The metro is working to boost security at the R4 reservoir, as fears of possible water contamination linger.

Mamelodi residents have been raising their concerns for the past two years about uncovered manholes at the reservoir and land invaders doing their laundry nearby, risking mass contamination.

Earlier this week, the EFF conducted a site inspection after receiving complaints of illegal water connections and water shortages in Mamelodi East.

Bongaan King Ramontja of the EFF said they found several serious issues, including complaints from different areas of Mamelodi East that water trucks had not delivered water for the past five days.

Mpho Moloko of Mamelodi East Ext 6 said the trucks had stopped bringing water in the past.

“We don’t know what is happening.”

Ramontja said the metro had erected a fence around the reservoir, but with no gate or security guards to secure it.

“We were also shocked to find land invaders next to the reservoir fetching water from the manholes to wash their clothes,” said Ramontja.

“It is dangerous because they bring small children to do washing next to these manholes.”

Ramontja said they were shocked to discover the covers were also missing.

“Therefore, the risk of water contamination is high.

“The lids had been stolen, and as a result, the water inside was exposed to all forms of contamination,” said Ramontja.

Moloko and other residents accompanied the EFF on the sight inspection.

“Lack of maintenance is a serious concern. We have overgrown grass, missing lids posing serious threats to water contamination, no security guards, and no gate,” said Moloko.

Ramontja said the metro needs to take full responsibility for the reservoir.

“The state of the reservoir is very alarming, and it is a disgrace. Someone needs to take action against the Tshwane metro,” he said.

He added that there was no sign of an illegal connection.

“But the fact remains that the reservoir is supposed to supply the areas of Mamelodi East that today don’t have water, relying on water trucks.

“Is the Tshwane metro perhaps waiting for a disaster to strike before it secures our water supply?

“The health hazards are that anyone could come at any time and pour poison or any other contaminant into the water, posing a risk to all residents of Mamelodi,” said Ramontja.

He advised residents to boil the water for their safety before they use it for cooking or drinking.

Rand Water has been conducting extensive maintenance of its water network for the past week, contributing to low water pressure at reservoirs in Tshwane.

Other areas complaining about water shortages are Mahube Valley, Phomolong Ext 6, and Ikageng Ext 4 and 5, which have experiencing a prolonged water outage affecting businesses such as car washes and non-profit organisations.

Areas in Mamelodi affected by illegal water connections that dried up taps and reduced water pressure included Ikageng Ext 3, Mahube Valley and Mamelodi East Phases 3 and 4, including the school.

The residents also blamed the people who recently invaded land near the reservoir for the illegal water connections at the reservoir and the metro for not fixing the water crisis in Mamelodi.

The metro put all the blame on the land invaders for the illegal connections at the R4 reservoir.

Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said water supply challenges in the area were due to illegal connections at that reservoir.

Mashigo said the fencing of the parameter was completed a few weeks ago.

“Tshwane is currently finalising the deployment of security personnel onsite.

“All maintenance-related issues will resume once the deployment of security has been finalised,” said Mashigo.

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