Gauteng faces water shortages during Rand Water maintenance, City warns of unsafe tankers
Residents across Gauteng will be affected by the maintenance this week.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
Several areas in Gauteng have been affected by the Rand Water’s planned maintenance scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, July 15, until Friday, July 18.
According to Rand Water, the maintenance work is part of its commitment to ensure a sustainable and efficient water supply.
The affected municipalities include: City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, City of Ekurhuleni, and the Madibeng Local Municipality.
It said the maintenance may also impact water supply to the local municipalities of Rand West, Mogale City, Merafong, Madibeng, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng, and nearby mines and industries.
These are the affected areas.
Image: Rand Water
The maintenance work has been strategically scheduled during the low consumption months of May to July 2025 to minimise disruptions and better manage the potential impact on water supply.
It has been confirmed water tankers have been dispatched to severely affected areas. Many communities were left with dry taps or low water pressure as maintenance continues.
These are the affected areas.
Image: Rand Water
Rand Water spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo confirmed the maintenance was progressing well.
She said regular updates will be issued via Rand Water’s official communication channels and social media platforms to keep customers and residents informed.
These are the affected areas.
Image: Rand Water
Tshwane's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health Services, Tshegofatso Mashabela, raised concerns about some water tanker drivers collecting water from questionable sources.
“The department has become aware of non-compliance within our water supply system. During the implementation of the Rand Water maintenance schedule, certain water tanker drivers have been resorting to collecting water from questionable and potentially hazardous sources,” she said.
These are affected areas.
Image: City of Ekurhuleni
To address the critical situation, Mashabela said the city will conduct random water sampling on water trucks to verify the safety and quality of the water being supplied to communities.
“Samples will be meticulously analysed, and any deviations, irregularities, or signs of contamination will be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure the continued provision of high-quality water to our residents. It is imperative to emphasise that water collection must exclusively take place at designated and officially approved points. Unauthorised or unverified sources are explicitly forbidden to avert potential health crises,” Mashabela said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL