By Lerato Mpembe
The Water Task Team, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is actively overseeing the implementation of critical measures to help Gauteng municipalities promptly respond to Rand Water’s recommendations, aiming to prevent severe water shortages in the province. Speaking to Members of Parliament in the National Assembly, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised that these actions are crucial, given Rand Water’s recent warning that Gauteng’s water storage could soon be depleted if municipalities do not act swiftly.
The urgency of this situation has spurred collaborative efforts involving the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, Gauteng provincial government, and local municipalities. As Gauteng continues to grapple with high water demand and frequent leaks in distribution systems, the government has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to ensure water security across the province.
Water Scarcity in Gauteng: A Looming Crisis
Gauteng’s water challenges are not new, but recent warnings from Rand Water have underscored the severity of the situation. As a bulk water utility serving over 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State, and North West provinces, Rand Water plays a critical role in South Africa’s water supply network. Its recent alert highlights that unless proactive measures are implemented immediately, the province could face an unprecedented water crisis, with severe implications for residents and businesses alike.
The water scarcity challenge in Gauteng is exacerbated by multiple factors, including high consumption rates, widespread leaks within municipal water distribution systems, and illegal water connections. As Deputy President Mashatile noted, addressing these issues requires both immediate action and sustained commitment from all levels of government.
Key Measures to Address Gauteng’s Water Shortages
To mitigate the risk of water depletion, the Water Task Team has prioritised a series of targeted interventions. These measures include:
1. Leak Reduction and Infrastructure Maintenance – Recognising the impact of water leaks on supply, the Department of Water and Sanitation, in partnership with Gauteng municipalities, is taking steps to identify and repair leaks in municipal systems. By addressing these leaks, the government aims to improve water efficiency and reduce wastage.
2. Combating Illegal Connections – Illegal water connections contribute significantly to unaccounted-for water losses. The Water Task Team, along with municipal authorities, has initiated efforts to identify and remove illegal connections, ensuring that water resources are preserved for legitimate users.
3. Implementing Water Restrictions – Municipalities across Gauteng have been encouraged to enforce Level 1 water restrictions, which prohibit activities like irrigating gardens during peak hours, filling swimming pools, and washing driveways with hosepipes. These restrictions are essential for managing demand, particularly during high-consumption periods.
4. Advancing to Higher Restriction Levels – Beyond Level 1 restrictions, the Water Task Team is working with Gauteng municipalities to explore the implementation of Level 2 and Level 3 restrictions. These higher levels of restriction will be crucial in limiting water usage should the situation worsen.
5. Raising Public Awareness and Encouraging Conservation – The government, together with Rand Water, has launched a platform aimed at promoting water conservation and educating the public about the province’s water challenges. This initiative includes a communications campaign to encourage residents to use water sparingly.The Role of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant
To further support municipalities in managing water resources effectively, the government has initiated a conversion of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) from a Schedule 5b direct grant to a Schedule 6b indirect grant. This adjustment, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and National Treasury, is intended to address the funding challenges faced by Water Services Authorities (WSAs).
The MIG conversion will allow for more targeted investments in essential infrastructure repairs, specifically focusing on wastewater treatment works and other critical facilities. The initial rollout of this conversion includes uThukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and Emfuleni Municipality in Gauteng. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the structural issues underlying the water crisis.
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