Municipal

Gauteng water crisis hits hard

Residents urged to use water sparingly as maintenance backlogs, high demand and power failures strain supply.

With parts of the province, including the West Rand, facing water supply challenges, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) provided an update on the situation.

GPG spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga explained that these disruptions are being addressed through coordinated efforts.

“Residents and businesses have experienced intermittent water supply due to ageing infrastructure, high demand, leaks, power interruptions affecting pumping capacity, and maintenance backlogs,” he said.

An operations centre was recently launched to prioritise urgent interventions among key water-sector stakeholders and local and national government departments.

“The province is working closely with the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Rand Water, and municipalities to stabilise supply and improve system resilience,” Mhlanga added.

Also read: Water shortages deepen: Key Rand West reservoirs at 0%

He also highlighted intergovernmental collaboration.

“Through joint forums, the minister of COGTA has ensured municipalities, the province, and national departments are aligned in implementing sustainable, long-term solutions. These include enhanced monitoring of municipal performance, improved financial management of water infrastructure grants, and stronger accountability measures.”

Ongoing interventions include infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, pressure management, demand control, technical support to municipalities, funding mobilisation, and community engagement.

Residents are encouraged to use water sparingly while these measures are in progress.

“While short-term stabilisation measures are showing gradual improvements in some areas, long-term infrastructure renewal and enhanced municipal capacity are essential to resolve recurring water challenges fully. We remain committed to ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for all residents and will continue to intensify oversight, strengthen intergovernmental cooperation, and prioritise infrastructure investment,” Mhlanga concluded.

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Heinrich Greyling

Heinrich Greyling is a LLB student, which gives him an eye in fairness towards everything he writes about, with a passion of uncovering the truth. If the relevant information is available, he is willing to help anybody, with a keen interest in hard, crime, entertainment, municipal, human interest and automotive journalism. He is a journalist who is willing to write about anything, no matter the controversy or risks involved.

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