Clean running water has been restored for a number of communities in the township.
According to the city’s spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, water services were restored last week and all the previously affected sections of the township are now enjoying access to clean running water.
“I can safely confirm that water services are now back on in Tembisa,” confirmed Gadebe.
Asked what prompted the cut-offs in the first instance, Gadebe said: “This was merely an operational restriction implemented by Rand Water to curb high water demand in all Gauteng municipalities. It was not only Ekurhuleni that was affected, but all municipalities.”
A number of sections, such as Madelakufa, Emfihlweni, Lidinga, Liliba, Emoyeni, Mangweni and Jiyane, have been without clean running water for a period of three weeks.
They had to resort to other measures to get water, such as targeting the main pipeline along Jiyane Section’s main road.
Those who had money bought water from privately owned water tankers.
Just before the services were restored, the community members from those affected sections had threatened a massive shutdown strike.
They accused the municipality of neglecting them and failing to communicate with them.
“We don’t want to do this. As a matter of fact, we do not enjoy barricading roads and burning tyres whenever we are dissatisfied about service delivery, but we don’t have a choice. No one is telling us anything and maybe they will come to us if we take to the streets and block all major roads leading to Tembisa,” said community leader Albert Mngomezulu when they were planning the strike.
Asked if the city had provided any means of temporary solutions to the affected communities, Gadebe said: “The water and sanitation department ensures that water is supplied for basic needs during all service interruptions.”
