On September 3, 2023, the City of Tshwane and Rand Water held a crucial meeting to address the persistent water challenges in the city. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation, together with Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, also participated in the discussions.
Task Force Formed to Address Water Shortages
To address the water shortages, a technical team was formed, led by the Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Justice Maluleke. The team included Rand Water CEO, Mr. Sipho Mosai, and Mr. Stephens Notoane, the city’s Group Head for Water and Sanitation. The team was tasked with devising a concrete plan to address the water challenges and provide feedback on the same day.
Immediate Action Plan
The task force developed an action plan aimed at resolving the impasse between the city and the water utility while ensuring a consistent water supply for Tshwane’s residents. Rand Water and the City of Tshwane apologized for the uncertainty surrounding the water supply and assured residents of their commitment to overcoming these challenges.
Immediate Results of the Action Plan
Following the meeting, water has been restored in areas previously affected by shortages, such as Mooikloof, Waterkloof Ridge, Akasia, and Mabopane. The task force also committed to hold regular meetings during peak seasons with Rand Water and the City of Tshwane to coordinate water supply system management and provision.
Long-term Strategies
To address the acute shortage of water, Rand Water and the City of Tshwane are reviewing historical water allocations and exploring water conservation and demand management strategies. They are also considering the city’s affordability of additional water allocation to ensure sustainable service for the residents.
Call for Water Conservation
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, and the City of Tshwane have called on residents to conserve water and avoid using potable water for non-essential purposes. They also urged residents to fix water leaks in their homes and report issues in their reticulation systems to the municipality.
Strengthening Communication and Collaboration
The task force is committed to strengthening communication with stakeholders and the public to serve residents better and more efficiently. They also aim to collaborate on water conservation campaigns and impose water restrictions when necessary.
The collaboration between Rand Water, the City of Tshwane, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation represents a crucial step toward overcoming the city’s water challenges. Through their joint efforts, they aim to not only resolve the current shortages but also to create a sustainable and efficient water supply system for the residents of Tshwane.
