“We are making progress every day but I can’t give an exact day or time regarding when water will be restored,” Joburg Water spokeswoman Millicent Kabwe said.
However, most water reservoirs and towers were recovering at a good rate, resulting in improved water levels and supply following the shortages.
“Less than 2 percent of the residents of the city are still experiencing low water pressures and a no water situation,” Kabwe said.
The problem was caused by a power outage at a pumping station preventing Rand Water, the bulk supplier of water to the City of Joburg, from filling its reservoirs.
Kabwe explained that the water shortages were not due to the failure of Joburg Water’s infrastructure; and that damaged and burst pipes that had affected supply to other suburbs during this period were separate incidents.
The facilities that still had no water were South Hills tower and Rabie Ridge reservoir. These storage facilities supply water to Rabie Ridge, Mayibuye, Risana, South Hills, Thulisa Park and surrounding areas.
“We have made temporary provision for the areas that are still affected by way of water tanks. In the Rabie Ridge area, we have roaming tanks, and in South Hills we have a stationary tank at the water tower and at 21 Risana Road,” Kabwe said.
Despite reports that Rand Water would implement water rationing if the water supply did not improve, Joburg Water said water rationing was not on the cards. “We have no plans to implement water rationing,” Kabwe said.
However, she continued to urge residents who did have water to use it sparingly.
