Ekurhuleni tightens its grip on the water situation

By Staff Writer

Ekurhuleni and Rand Water have joined forces to address the water crisis in their region.

Executive Mayor Tania Campbell, Cllr Senzi Sibeko, and Dr Imogen Mashazi represented the city at a high-level meeting with Chairman Ramateu Monyokolo and CEO Sipho Mosai from Rand Water. A swift normalization of the situation has been deemed absolutely necessary for all involved parties as they strive towards finding an effective solution to this essential issue facing them today.

“The main reasons for the current situation were identified as load shedding and the recent heat wave, which resulted in more water demand thus depleting the reserves. The parties resolved that the key to the current situation was dealing with the issue of water conservation and also attending to increasing water storage capacity on both sides as a form of water security,” said the statement issued by Ekurhuleni.

“The parties further agreed that there was a need for better communication between them so that communities are kept informed about the situation at every given time. There was also a view the teams needed to revisit the protocols employed by stakeholders in dealing with the drought of 2015/16 for best practice handling of the current situation,” the statement continued.

Communities across Ekurhuleni have been struggling with an unprecedented water crisis. Areas like Tsakani, Benoni, Etwatwa and Daveyton are especially feeling the effects of low or no supply - causing many households to rely on City-run water tankers for their basic needs.

In spite of these challenges however, residents remain optimistic that a solution to this dire situation can be reached soon.

“Since the 2014/15 financial year, the City of Ekurhuleni has invested millions in new and additional water tower in the Africa, which is based in Benoni, as a water security measure. reservoirs including the