Tshwane’s Water Supply Systems Remain Vulnerable: A Call for Considerate Water Usage

Tshwane, a city in South Africa, is facing a severe water crisis due to high water usage, especially in low-lying areas. The situation has caused the slow recovery of the water reservoirs, leaving those in high-lying regions without access to water.

Deputy Minister Urges Mindful Water Usage

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. David Mahlobo, has urged Tshwane residents to be mindful of their water usage. He emphasized that the city and Rand Water are working collaboratively to restore and maintain the water supply.

Meeting with Key Stakeholders

On September 10, 2023, the Deputy Minister hosted a meeting with Rand Water and the City of Tshwane. Key stakeholders in attendance included Mr. Ramateu Monyokolo, Chairperson of Rand Water, and Mr. Themba Fosi, the City’s MMC for Utility Services and Regional Operations. The meeting aimed to follow up on the previous week’s discussions and devise collaborative solutions to the city’s water challenges.

Progress Report on Water Restoration Efforts

The technical team responsible for the city’s water supply led by Mr. Justice Maluleke of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Rand Water Chief Executive Mr. Sipho Mosai, and the City of Tshwane’s Group Head for Water and Sanitation, Mr. Stephens Notoane, reported progress made toward restoring the water supply. However, the residents of high-lying regions continue to struggle as the system slowly recovers.

Call for Proactive Engagement, Cooperation, Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication

Deputy Minister Mahlobo praised the City and the water utility for their efforts in managing the situation. He urged them to continue proactive engagement, cooperation, collaboration, coordination, and communication for the benefit of Tshwane’s citizens. He also requested a medium to long-term plan addressing the peak demand period, which has been exacerbated by high temperatures, loadshedding-related interruptions in storage capacity recovery, non-revenue water, and Tshwane’s allocation of extra water from Rand Water.

Inclusion of Leak Management in the Plan

To address water losses in the distribution system, the Deputy Minister asked the city to include leak management in their plan. The City of Tshwane acknowledged its high water consumption and committed to developing a water conservation strategy to reduce usage.

Joint Pledge to Provide Consistent Water Supply

Rand Water and the City of Tshwane jointly pledged to work together in providing a consistent supply of high-quality drinking water to the city’s residents. The collaboration between these two institutions is a testament to their dedication to addressing the water supply challenges faced by the city.

Importance of Efficient Resource Management

The ongoing efforts to stabilize Tshwane’s water supply system highlight the importance of efficient resource management, particularly during periods of high demand. As the global impacts of climate change become more pronounced, effective water conservation strategies will play a critical role in ensuring the availability of this essential resource for all.

Call for Support from Tshwane’s Residents

In the face of these challenges, Tshwane’s residents have an important role to play in safeguarding their water supply. By being mindful of their water usage and supporting the city’s conservation efforts, they can contribute to the well-being of their community and help ensure a sustainable future for all.