The recent water supply interruptions in Gauteng came under the spotlight on Friday at the Gauteng Premier’s Coordinating Forum meeting.

The meeting chaired by Premier David Makhura and attended by the mayors of all municipalities in Gauteng, received a full briefing by Rand Water and Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane on the current water shortage in Gauteng.

Rand Water assured the Premier’s Coordinating Forum that it had taken steps to address all technical problems and was working around the clock to restore normal uninterrupted supply of water in Gauteng.

The report highlighted the following:

• the water shortage was caused by various factors including power supply problems, faulty cables and cable theft
• water tanks will continue to provide water to affected areas
• vulnerable institutions like hospitals and old age homes will be prioritised
• normal water supply will resume in two weeks
• Rand Water and municipalities will keep the public informed about all developments
• a help line has been set up to provide residents with the latest updates

 

Gauteng Infrastructure Coordinating Council to be established

The Premier’s Coordinating Forum also discussed practical steps required to radically transform, modernise and reindustrialise the province in order to realise the vision of an integrated, sustainable, socially cohesive and economically inclusive province.

The meeting identified the need for closer cooperation on planning, coordination, management and financing of infrastructure in the province, and in this regard agreed to establish the Gauteng Infrastructure Coordinating Council.

This Council will provide for the facilitation of strategic economic and social infrastructure development; identify catalytic projects; improve management of infrastructure during all life-cycle phases; and coordinate the financing of infrastructure, including sourcing of alternative financing options.

 

“No water crisis in Gauteng”

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation Mlungisi Johnson has said, “There is no water crisis in Gauteng and people must know that they will from now on get water.”

He said the committee is satisfied that Rand Water has implemented effective strategies to deal with the challenge faced by residents within the past week. He also welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Water and Sanitation and Rand Water of the formation of a Joint Operations Committee to ensure a coordinated effort to deal with the water shortages in Gauteng as well as a precautionary measures for any future problems.

 

Dealing with vandalism and theft

The committee has emphasised the need for a collaborative effort towards dealing with vandalism and theft of copper, valves and cables that are an integral part in the distribution of water.

“Clearly we are dealing with organised scrap metal syndicates who place their narrow economic interests above those of this beautiful country. These unscrupulous elements are preying on the poverty of our people and are targeting strategic infrastructure that deliver efficient services to our people. These are people who care less about the country or its citizens but rather they remain interested in serving their narrow, selfish economic interests,” Johnson emphasised.

The committee will in the next term of Parliament engage the department and all law enforcement agencies to find lasting solutions in dealing with this problem.

 

Communication is key

Communication has been identified as key part of the strategy in order to keep the affected communities informed of interventions undertaken to restore the water supply.

Mokonyane has told the Rand Water board to work more closely with communities and improve on its communication to timeously alert and educate communities on all matter relating to water challenges, including unforeseen water interruptions and remedial steps to be taken.

“Remember that, as a board you have a responsibility towards the communities you serve and to close the disjuncture between your commitment to the communities and what is eventually delivered,” she told the board.

 

Progress update

Water has been restored to several areas across the province, however shortage are still affecting parts of Gauteng.

Rand Water is confident the problem will be resolved within the next two weeks.