Rand Water throttles Lesedi’s water supply
Residents are urged to use water sparingly while negotiations continue.
Rand Water issued a notice to Lesedi Local Municipality on March 27 stating their intention to reduce the bulk water supply by 20%.
According to the notice, the action was to be initiated on April 1.
The urgent water reduction is due to LLM owing Rand Water close to R121m.
The water supply from Rand Water to LLM and its residents’ taps has been a talking point since 2022.
Rand Water has in the past had agreements with LLM to settle the debt, but according to reports, LLM has not accommodated the agreements.
High-lying community members have been struggling since the weekend of April 5 and the water flow is getting weaker.
The expectations are that other areas will feel the effect of the water reductions soon.
Acting municipal manager Thobeka Zondi issued a media statement where she acknowledges Rand Water is throttling the water supply to the Lesedi area.
“Lesedi Local Municipality would like to inform residents and businesses within the municipal jurisdiction that there has been a reduction in pressure from Rand Water to supply Lesedi municipality,” the statement reads.
“The municipality’s Heidelberg Command reservoirs, which supply the CBD, Jordaan Park, Bergsig, Overkruin and Bergendal are currently low, and as a result, there is no water supply to the CBD and some parts of high-lying areas.
“The impact is expected to spill over to other areas if the water pressure issue is not resolved with Rand Water, as ongoing engagements continue. The municipality requests all citizens to use water wisely while trying to find sustainable solution with Rand Water.
“Water trucks will be available to affected areas and the schedule informing communities on water pick-up points will be shared with our communities.”
