By Rorisang Modiba
- The weather service says above-normal rainfall will help dams, but many areas still face shortages due to broken infrastructure.
- Joburg Water blames theft and vandalism for worsening cuts, while Rand Water says municipalities are failing to keep up.
South Africa is set for a wet summer, but Gauteng residents should not expect their water woes to end.
The South African Weather Service says above-normal rainfall will come to most of the central and eastern parts of the country. Dams and reservoirs should fill up.
But water may still not reach households. Johannesburg residents protested last week after days without supply.
Mayor Dada Morero said reservoirs need to reach certain levels before water can be shared. Joburg Water has now introduced a throttling schedule to limit supply.
Spokesperson Nolwazi Dhlamini said theft and vandalism are making the crisis worse. “In August alone, Joburg Water replaced 446 stolen meters,” she said.
Rand Water insisted it is pumping at full capacity. Spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said municipalities are failing to distribute the supply.
Water rights group WaterCAN said the real problem is not the rain but aging pipes and broken systems. “The infrastructure we do have is in a state of decay, and it cannot cope with Johannesburg’s growing population,” said executive manager Ferrial Adam.
The South African Local Government Association has urged residents to stay calm. In Tshwane, maintenance in Waterkloof Ridge will cut supply for up to 10 hours on Monday.
Even with heavy rains expected, many households face another summer of water cuts and restrictions.
Pictured above: Rain.
Image source: File
