Joburg Mayor Thapelo Amad said he has noted with concern communication from Rand Water indicating continued service interruptions.
This is after a power outage affected the pipeline network at the Vereeniging Water Treatment Plant earlier last week.
He said while Rand Water’s bulk pumping has fully recovered, local water systems battle the knock-on effect, and reservoirs are at critically low levels.
“I am also affected by these water shortages and recognise how untenable the situation is becoming. Our city continues to experience significant service delivery breakdowns, exacerbated by the country-wide electricity crisis.
These issues remain high on my agenda, and I will continue to work with my mayoral committee and city administrators to find sustainable, long-term solutions to the infrastructure problems plaguing our city.
“Last month, I announced that the city, through Joburg Water, had invested just over R400m, which will be used over the next 18 months to build and upgrade the bulk water infrastructure, especially along the Commando system (Crosby and Brixton) which is always the hardest hit by water shortages.
“I am confident this investment will go a long way in reducing our water supply challenges.
“I have instructed Johannesburg Water to provide alternative water relief measures to affected areas through stationary water tanks and mobile tankers. I encourage residents to join me in my water management efforts by reporting major bursts and leaks on Joburg’s SMS line +27 (0) 45201,” he said.
