More transparency needed about water restrictions
AfriForum filed PAIA applications to Gauteng’s three metros to access data on high water consumption, blaming waste on poor maintenance rather than residents. Meanwhile, over 3 000 petitioners demand Hillcrest Swimming Pool’s reopening.
AfriForum has submitted formal applications under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to each of Gauteng’s three metropolitan municipalities (Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, and Tshwane) to obtain information about the high water consumption in these areas.
These applications are a response to water restrictions implemented in all three metros last November, aimed at reducing water usage.
Marais de Vaal, spokesperson for AfriForum, argues that “the high water consumption in the province can be attributed to waste from poor municipal maintenance rather than solely residents’ usage”.
The latest water consumption levels in the metros have exceeded the supply capacity of Rand Water by approximately 14%.
The organisation hopes that the information requested through the PAIA applications will reveal the true extent of consumption and waste in the metros, enabling them to identify potential savings and hold accountable those responsible.
In addition to water restrictions, prolonged water outages have been affecting all three metros since their implementation, with Rand Water warning that the high water consumption is straining their systems.
The metros, on the other hand, blame Rand Water’s supply inadequacies and consumption for the issue.
De Vaal is concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the metros’ water consumption, noting that there has been little change since July 2024.
He highlighted that a significant portion of drinking water is lost without generating revenue, with non-revenue water percentages above the target of 25% in all three metros.
De Vaal questioned the metros’ reporting on water leaks, emphasising that addressing these systemic issues is crucial before imposing restrictions on residents.
These are sentiments that more than 3 000 signatories, who have put their weight behind a petition asking for the Hillcrest Swimming Pool to be reopened, would agree with.
The petition also calls for the city to prioritise the pool’s maintenance and operation.
John Hempel, a regular swimmer, emphasised the pool’s importance to residents, athletes and swimming professionals.
He expressed frustration with the lack of maintenance and the metro’s failure to address the pool’s deterioration.
Competitive swimmers have been particularly affected by the pool’s closure, impacting their preparation for regional and national championships.
Natasha da Silva, a Pretoria swimming coach, noted that swimmers’ performance at the Swim SA Level 3 championships held this past weekend declined due to the lack of access to a proper training facility.
She said the closure of the pool has forced swimmers to travel out of the province for competitions, affecting their competitiveness.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo clarified that the pool remains closed due to level 1 water restrictions imposed by Rand Water.
He assured past users of the pool that maintenance is ongoing, dispelling accusations of neglect.
Mashigo explained that the decision to reopen the pool will depend on Rand Water’s evaluation of the water situation and the metro’s assessment of the current conditions.
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