Water scarcity grips Mamelodi as Tshwane systems fail

Mamelodi community members are calling for urgent action as families struggle without access to basic resources such as water

As the Tshwane water system struggles to meet demand this week after a power outage at a station, homes and businesses in Mamelodi have been experiencing a water shortage over the past few months now.

The shortage had a significant impact on many households in the area, with some families dependent on shared taps. Water scarcity has long been an issue in Tshwane, but recent infrastructure failures have made things worse.

According to Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, vandalism was found to be the reason for the power failure after an investigation.

Mashigo said that repairs have since been completed and that their current focus is on water supply.

“While Rand Water is on course with restoration to their reservoirs and their bulk water system, residents are cautioned that there is no flow, particularly in Eersterust and Mamelodi. This has led to reservoirs being empty,” Mashigo said.

He also stated that his team is using existing water tankers in Mamelodi to help the latest affected areas.

“Additional water tankers have been arranged to provide water to residents,” he added.

Community members expressed frustration at the situation, claiming that water tankers were only delivering occasionally, worsening the situation.

Extension 6 resident Lethabo Mokoena (35) said they have been battling with water shortages for years, but things have recently gotten worse.

“Families are forced to queue at communal taps for hours, sometimes coming away with nothing,” he said.

Another frustrated resident, Tshidi Moloi (27), claimed that they are forced to cope with increasingly difficult conditions.

“It is unacceptable that so many households are without access to something so basic. If it’s not water, then it’s electricity. We feel like we’re being forgotten, like our voices don’t matter,” Moloi said.

Despite claims from officials that repairs are in progress, many residents doubt that the problem will be fixed shortly.

The impact of the water shortage in Mamelodi is being felt beyond just households and residents.

Businesses in the area are also under pressure as they struggle to function without adequate access to water.

Mpumi Mabona, the owner of a fast-food restaurant, stated that running water is essential for cleaning and cooking.

“Due to the lack of water, we had to cut back on our menu offerings and close early. This harms not only our business but also our customers and workers,” she said.

Several businesses have been forced to cut hours or close entirely as a result of the situation, causing more economic strain in the area.

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