Water tanker demand rises as Mogale reservoirs remain critically low
Water tankers are being deployed from Azaadville to supply affected communities, but increased demand, travel distances and interruptions along routes are contributing to delays during the current water crisis.
With reservoirs remaining critically low following Rand Water’s maintenance, demand for water tankers has increased significantly on Monday, July 20.
According to Mogale City Local Municipality’s assistant manager for media and public relations, Refilwe Mahlangu, affected areas are experiencing high demand for water tankers, with delays also being experienced in reaching designated distribution points.
Nine water tankers have been deployed in consultation with ward councillors. Mahlangu said the municipality has observed instances where residents stop some of the tankers before they reach their allocated locations.
• Also read: Reservoir levels plummet across Mogale City
“We understand this is an urgent situation; however, these unscheduled stops often result in tankers running out of water before they reach their destinations. This causes them to return for refilling, which delays deliveries to other affected areas,” she said.
Mahlangu explained that the tankers are refilled in Azaadville, meaning travel times vary depending on the distance between the filling point and the affected areas.
She added that ward councillors requiring additional water tankers should submit requests to the MMC for Infrastructure to ensure effective coordination and deployment of the available resources.
Mahlangu concluded that residents needing information on tanker locations should contact their ward councillors, as they determine distribution points based on the needs of residents.
