Bedfordview residents struggle as water shortage continues
Residents are frustrated after water shortages in Bedfordview have dragged on for more than three weeks, forcing families to rely on tankers and night-time supply.
Residents are frustrated and outraged over the ongoing water shortage in central Bedfordview.
Households are forced to spend extra money on bottled water while still paying their rates and municipal taxes.
The most recent outage has continued for more than three weeks, leaving many homes without daytime water and forcing them to rely on an irregular nighttime supply.
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Residents describe the situation as “chaotic” and “diabolical”, with one property owner reporting that they set alarms at midnight to do essential chores, such as laundry and flushing toilets. Others say they buy water while still receiving municipal bills.
Parents with young children are concerned about health risks. One resident described how their nine-month-old fell ill, leaving the family unable to bathe them or properly sterilise bottles.
“We can’t make formula, can’t sterilise and can’t keep the house clean. If we can’t regularly bathe her, she will get sicker and sicker,” the resident said.
Clr Jill Humphreys said she is “extremely concerned” about the ongoing crisis.
“People are absolutely desperate. They only receive water between 02:00 and 05:00. It is impossible to manage children going to school, the elderly carrying buckets and families trying to cook or shower. This has gone on for weeks,” she said.
Humphreys explained that the problem has two primary causes: A leak at the Signal Hill Reservoir and reduced supply from Rand Water.
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“The leak is not massive and could be easily fixed, but the contractor has not been paid and, therefore, cannot complete the repair. At the same time, Rand Water seems to have reduced our supply to levels we’ve never seen before,” she added.
The CoE confirmed the challenges, citing the age and structural issues of the Signal Hill Reservoir, which is over 100 years old. It added that it had recently commissioned repairs to seal a leak, but minor leaks persisted, and contractor payments were delayed, halting further work.
“Given the severity of the situation and its impact on households, businesses and property values in Bedfordview, the city is working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” said Zweli Dlamini, the city’s spokesperson.
He confirmed that the municipality had engaged Rand Water regarding the low-pressure issue, although the problem persists.
As an interim measure, a water tanker was deployed, and JoJo tanks were installed in affected areas, including on Van Buuren Road in front of the Virgin Active and on Riley Road.
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“People are abandoning their homes. They cannot sell them. Who wants to buy a house where there is no water? This issue will affect the property market in Bedfordview. Our city needs to listen and take action,” said Humphreys.
Residents continue to express their frustration over the lack of communication and the financial and personal costs of managing daily life without a reliable water supply.
