Rand Water completes first maintenance phase as Ekurhuleni systems recover
Rand Water has completed the first phase of its planned infrastructure maintenance programme, with major pumping stations back online and municipalities reporting steady recovery of water supply systems.
Residents across Gauteng and neighbouring provinces can expect improved water supply conditions after Rand Water completed the first phase of its large-scale planned maintenance programme on June 2.
The utility confirmed that major pumping stations, including Mapleton and Eikenhof, resumed operations at full capacity following maintenance work carried out between May 29 and June 2.
The City of Ekurhuleni said both the primary maintenance activities and associated opportunity projects were completed on schedule, allowing affected systems to begin recovering.
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“Rand Water is supplying at full capacity. The systems under the municipalities are in the recovery phase,” the City said in a statement.
The maintenance forms part of Rand Water’s broader infrastructure improvement programme aimed at enhancing the reliability and long-term sustainability of water supply systems serving multiple provinces.
According to the utility, the project focuses on critical upgrades to electrical and pumping infrastructure to improve operational flexibility, increase system resilience and support future water demand.
The work forms part of maintenance activities planned between the end of May and July 17 across the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems.
Key projects included Eskom-related electrical maintenance, upgrades to motors at the Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4, replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at various facilities, and pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.
Rand Water had previously warned that temporary pump shutdowns during the maintenance period could result in reduced water supply and intermittent outages in some areas.
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The programme affects several municipalities in Gauteng, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga, including the metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
Other municipalities impacted include Mogale City, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo and Ngwathe, as well as the Royal Bafokeng Administration.
Industries, mining operations and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa, may also experience temporary disruptions while maintenance activities continue.
Tshwane reports improving supply
Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane reported positive progress as its water distribution network continues to recover following the completion of the first maintenance phase.
According to the metro, most reservoirs, water towers and supply systems remained stable throughout the recovery period, allowing water supply to be maintained in most affected areas.
Rand Water indicated that the Palmiet System is currently operating at about 89% capacity as the network gradually stabilises.
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Although the system has not yet returned to full operational levels, Tshwane said reservoir storage levels continue to improve, signalling a steady return to normal supply conditions.
“All affected systems are showing signs of improvement and recovery efforts continue to yield positive results across the network,” the city said.
The second phase of Rand Water’s planned maintenance programme is scheduled to begin on July 17 as the utility continues efforts to modernise critical infrastructure and strengthen long-term water security.
