Water supplies restored in Jo'burg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane says that water supplies in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane have been restored to normal in most of the areas affected by poor water supplies over the past two weeks. Image: GCIS

Residents in parts of these three metros have battled with water supply for more than a month after cable thefts stopped pumping stations from keeping reservoirs filled.

Briefing reporters at Rand Water in Johannesburg, Mokonyane reiterated that there was never a water shortage in Gauteng but rather a range of technical problems caused by cable theft and these had an impact on water distribution.

She said it was time that cable theft was taken seriously and not viewed as a petty crime but rather as economic sabotage.

Mokonyane said her department had sought the help of the security cluster of government ministries to strengthen the protection of water supply infrastructure after electricity cables were stolen at a water pumping station last week. The power loss interrupted the distribution of water to thousands of households.

No water crisis in SA

"At no point did we say this is because of a water shortage in Gauteng. We need to move away from raising panic and anxiety among members of the communities.

"Various ministries are working on a long-term water plan, as it is for roads, housing, arts and culture and any government department within the structures of the National Development Plan for the country.

She urged water experts to contribute to the long-term plan for water supplies by working with government agencies to formulate implementation plans.

She said that through provincial and local authorities, and through interventions by the department and stakeholders, the number of mobile tanks had been increased to ensure that people had a consistent supply of water.

"We are humbled by the team spirit that has come out of this experience, which has happened for the first time in the history of Rand Water. Even though the fault doesn't lie with Rand Water, collectively the energy sector and the water supply sector have taken responsibility in the situation," Mokonyane said.