Roodepoort residents show resilience in overcoming water outage stress
One Little Falls family is just a small sample of the widespread spirit that helped Roodepoort residents through a lengthy water outage.
Resourcefulness, planning, and community spirit overcame panic during the Rand Water outage.
Not underestimating the importance of the essential liquid, residents began stocking up well in advance. Work began promptly on Tuesday evening (July 11) and while some had a mild trickle through the taps or the last bit of hot water from the geyser, Wednesday ended with dry taps. Buckets then became miniature home reservoirs and the green portable tanks supplied by Johannesburg Water offered temporary salvation.
• Also read: Rand Water project complete but reservoirs still at low to critical levels
Eyes were glued to social media and news feeds checking the progress, eagerly anticipating confirmation that the water was on its way. Rand Water announced on the evening of July 13 that they were running ahead of schedule and the following morning confirmed that they had completed the maintenance to tie in two valves between their A19 and B14 pipelines.
Ward councillors had been communicating with residents in real-time and as well as the updates, helped co-ordinate community initiatives to help others.
• Also read: Residents of Wilro Park prepared for the planned water outage
One of the several families to make their boreholes available to neighbours was the Gerickes in Little Falls. Residents of the suburb for only four years, Marcus and Arieke Gericke have been assisting whenever water has been scarce. Aided by a solar-powered pump, their home became a friendly pitstop for those living across the street or several streets away.
“When you have something abundance, share. It’s about being able to give what you’ve got,” said Marcus.
Like many resident associations, Little Falls Residents Association (Lifco) eased the stress of the water outage by maintaining ongoing communications with residents.
“By reaching out to residents in their area, they were able to arrange sharing of borehole water from willing residents who were more than happy to assist their neighbours during the water outage,” said Lifco chairperson Claire Fauchet.
• Also read: Water outage: Tips on how to cope
For the Gerickes, the gesture is a natural one born from an upbringing that taught all were equal.
“It all comes full circle, if you show everyone respect, that respect will be returned to you,” said Arieke. “Everything is so negative all the time, it is good to be part of something positive. It does not cost a thing to be nice or to put up your hand and offer to help,” added Marcus.
This willingness to open arms and gates to those in need displays a hidden strength visible only in the toughest times.
Thanking those who helped, Claire said, “During moments like these, when we are stripped of one of our basic human needs for survival, we are reminded that at our core, we are all the same and that we are all connected through our vulnerability. We have wonderful people in our community who are always willing to help ease the burden of these ever-challenging times. We thank and salute them.”
