Greenhills residents have called for urgent action to address ongoing water shortages during a meeting with Rand West City Local Municipality Executive Mayor William Matsheke at the Greenhills Stadium hall on Wednesday evening, August 19.

The meeting was convened by councillor Martin Brown and attended by residents, the mayor and MMCs from the municipality.

Residents said they have struggled with inadequate water supplies for the past three years, with the situation worsening over the last two years.

The municipality’s Technical Team and Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Thapelo Motshoane, presented plans to upgrade the Greenhills Reservoir, which is expected to improve water access in the area.

Watch the video here: 

Residents also raised concerns about ageing water infrastructure and leaks. Others called for greater accountability from households that do not pay their municipal accounts, as well as more transparency from the municipality.

The mayor said only around 65% of households currently pay their municipal accounts, compared with the about 95% needed for the municipality to meet its electricity and water demands.

“Access to water is a human right. We are determined to uphold it; therefore, we will ensure that this reservoir upgrade project is successful so that we can all have water flowing from our taps,” said Matsheke.

Brown said he remained confident in the municipality’s plans but acknowledged residents’ frustration.

“You can hear from residents’ comments that people are tired, they are dry, and they need water,” he said.

Brown said he hopes to hold another progress meeting in January next year to assess developments on the project.

Read a more in-depth article in the Randfontein Herald’s August 28 edition.