Central Bedfordview water outages continue into third week
Central Bedfordview has been hit by more than 17 days of ongoing water outages, with the blame on a leaking reservoir, unpaid contractors and low supply from Rand Water.
Central Bedfordview residents have now endured more than 17 consecutive days of disrupted water supply, with many areas left dry for large parts of the day.
According to Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, this water crisis is linked to ongoing challenges at the Signal Hill Reservoir.
“The problem is twofold. Our reservoir is not large enough to meet the level of densification in the area it serves.
@bedfordview.edenv Central Bedfordview residents have been left without water for days as ongoing supply disruptions continue. Large parts of the area remain dry for hours at a time, leaving the community frustrated with this recurring crisis 💧 BedfordviewWater@CoE @Rand Water
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“It has also leaked since November last year. Two weeks ago, refilling began after repairs on the reservoir were completed. However, another leak appeared.
“The City of Ekurhuleni has not advised me where or how this new leak came about. They have also not paid for the materials required to fix it,” Humphreys explained.
She added that the contractor responsible for the work has yet to receive payment, stalling progress on the urgent repairs.
“The incoming water from Rand Water is also not sufficient to service the area. I am not sure if it is enough to fill the reservoir,” she said.
Humphreys noted, she escalated the matter to the relevant officials daily, but without the finance department releasing funds, the contractor cannot complete the work.
“I believe our team on the ground is doing all it can, but they are stuck if the contractor does not get paid,” she added.
To ensure a reliable supply for Bedfordview, Humphreys said Rand Water needs to provide greater and more consistent volumes of water.
“I cannot answer on behalf of Rand Water. Other than my previous comments regarding the city’s responses, I hope they pay the contractors who will complete the necessary work.
@bedfordview.edenv Central Bedfordview residents have been left without water for days as ongoing supply disruptions continue. Large parts of the area remain dry for hours at a time, leaving the community frustrated with this recurring crisis 💧 BedfordviewWater@CoE @Rand Water
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“This also applies to the proposed bulk water project for Bedfordview, but ultimately that also depends on provision from Rand Water,” she said.
In the meantime, residents have expressed mounting anger and despair at the ongoing outages. One resident described the situation as heartbreaking, while another said they are spending large amounts of money on buying water.
@bedfordview.edenv #BedfordviewWater Ward Clr Jill Humphreys has raised concerns over the ongoing water outages in Bedfordview@CoE @Rand Water
Some have warned that property values are at risk, with for-sale and auction boards multiplying across the suburb. Others fear they may be forced to leave Bedfordview in search of better service delivery.
In the meantime, the City of Ekurhuleni and Rand Water have remained silent on the matter.
