Metro deals with illegal connections and vandalised assets at Mabopane main reservoir
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the water crisis was escalated when illegal connections to the city’s water network were identified.
The Tshwane metro has announced the completion of repairs of the recently vandalised valves at the Mabopane main reservoir, following a prolonged water outage in the area.
The metro technical team took swift action after investigations revealed a significant drop in water levels, leading to widespread disruptions in supply.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the water crisis was escalated when the metro discovered illegal connections on the network.
He said these connections were unauthorised and were siphoning water from the system.
Mashigo said the illegal connections had been complicating the water situation which Mabopane had been faced with for some time.
He said police were called in to deal with the illegal activities unfolding in the area.
“Tshwane Metro Police were called in to assist the technicians in disconnecting these illegal taps, as some members of the public reacted aggressively, threatening the workers.
“Despite the disconnections, water levels failed to improve, prompting further investigations,” said Mashigo.
Mashigo said it was then discovered that major valves, critical to the water supply, had been vandalised.
While we have removed the latest trench of illegal connections at the Mabopane Main Reservoir, we know they’ll be back if we don’t prevent it. We promise visible policing at this critical infrastructure. We plan to build security fencing to protect the reservoir against… pic.twitter.com/iNXhr555Xy
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) February 6, 2025
With the support of Rand Water, the city was able to isolate the reservoir’s line to conduct the necessary repairs on the vandalised valves.
“The team has completed the repairs and reopened the supply to the Mabopane Main Reservoir.
“The technicians are closely monitoring the reservoir’s levels to ensure it fills up quickly. Once this process is complete, water supply will be restored to the affected residents.”
Residents in lower-lying areas will be the first to receive water, while those in high-lying areas are encouraged to allow time for the reservoir levels to rise sufficiently to reach them.
Tshwane has provided a set of telephone numbers for residents to report any further water-related issues like no water supply, burst water pipes, illegal connections, and account-related enquiries.
For future water-related incidents, the metro has provided the following numbers:
– No water supply or burst pipes: 012 358 9999/080 111 1556
– Illegal water connections: 012 358 9060
– Non-payment: 012 345 8514
– Account enquiries: 012 358 9999.
This morning, we made a much needed oversight visit to the Mabopane Main Reservoir to remove several illegal connections. These connections continuously affect water supply to the residents of Mabopane. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/kc1FsKqmCN
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) February 6, 2025
Despite the repairs to the vandalised valves at the reservoir being complete, the metro is struggling to provide water to the community that had made multiple complaints.
MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo said the metro is committed to a thorough investigation to resolve the matter.
“We recognise the urgency of addressing the ongoing water issues in Mabopane.
“Access to clean running water is a fundamental right.”
He said the water and sanitation department continues to deploy water tankers to wards 21, 19, 12, 22, and 24 as a relief measure.
“We want to assure both councillors and their communities that Mabopane remains a priority.
Our teams are conducting a thorough investigation in order to implement a lasting solution, rather than relying on temporary fixes based on past advisories, which have often led to unsustainable interventions,” said Boshielo.
Boshielo said the metro has asked water supplier Rand Water to cut supply so that it can carry out the necessary repairs.
He said workers attending to repairs have been threatened.
“Vandalism remains an issue, and we are working on community engagement with the TMPD to assist with initiatives to raise awareness about its impact on essential services.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents as we work to restore consistent water supply to Mabopane.”
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