A WhatsApp message circulating among residents of Pretoria has sparked concerns about a looming water shortage in the capital, warning of an impending crisis set to hit Gauteng in the coming weeks. The message, shared by Cllr. Shaun Wilkinson of Ward 59, reads:
“WATER ALERT!! ⚠ Looming crisis to hit Gauteng in the next few weeks! The Gauteng Province has requested all Ward Councillors to attend ’emergency talks’ with Rand Water at the end of this week.”
The message adds that further feedback will be provided following the meeting.
This communication has raised alarms across Pretoria, especially as Johannesburg continues to grapple with severe water issues, sparking fears that the crisis could soon extend to the nation’s capital.
Earlier this year, Johannesburg faced a significant water supply crisis, with Rand Water conducting extensive maintenance on its infrastructure. Johannesburg Water executives met with ward councillors in Illovo to discuss emergency strategies aimed at preventing further disruptions.
Despite these efforts, many areas in Johannesburg have experienced ongoing water outages, prompting widespread concerns.
According to Johannesburg Water, reservoir levels in the city have been consistently low, with residents in areas like Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill experiencing water cuts and reduced pressure.
Infrastructure challenges, such as aging pipelines and power outages affecting pumping stations, have compounded the problem. In some cases, water supply has been disrupted for days, leaving residents reliant on water tankers.
Johannesburg Water has stressed that while the city is working on boosting supply through upgrades and maintenance, the situation remains delicate due to high demand, load shedding, and fluctuating reservoir levels.
With Pretoria only a short distance from Johannesburg, the fear is that similar challenges could soon affect the capital.
Ward councillors have been summoned to emergency talks with Rand Water, signaling that the situation may be deteriorating.
Rand Water, responsible for supplying water to Gauteng, has already faced criticism for its handling of water infrastructure and delays in maintaining essential pipelines.
Cllr. Wilkinson has promised to provide feedback following this week’s emergency meeting with Rand Water.
The Gauteng Provincial Government in partnership with the Department of Qater and Sanitation, and Rand Water will host a Water Imbizo on Friday with municipal councillors to address the critical water challenges facing the province.
“Premier Panyaza Lesufi is convening this Imbizo as part of the provincial government’s proactive intervention to prevent water insecurity,” it said.
In the meantime, Pretoria residents are being urged to conserve water and prepare for potential disruptions.
With Johannesburg’s ongoing struggles serving as a stark warning, Pretoria could be next in line for a serious water shortage unless swift and effective measures are taken.
The outcome of the talks will be closely watched by residents and officials alike, as Gauteng prepares to address the growing water crisis.
