Emfuleni on Rand Water Suspension
By Mpho Moloi
Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) announced on Thursday, 29 May 2025 (Today),that the anticipated 16-day water supply interruption, scheduled to commence on Friday, 30 May 2025, has been suspended for Emfuleni consumers. This decision follows extensive engagements between various spheres of government and Rand Water, resulting in the exemption of Emfuleni’s water meters from the planned shutdown.
Background: The Planned Shutdown
The initial plan involved a comprehensive 16-day water supply interruption affecting several areas within Emfuleni, including Bedworthpark, Sharpeville, Tshepiso, Boipatong, Vanderbijlpark, Bophelong, Bophelong Extensions, Bonanne, and surrounding plots. The shutdown was part of Rand Water’s mandatory Dam Safety Evaluation (DSE) and cleaning operations at Sasolburg Reservoir No. 1, aimed at ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the reservoir.
During this period, reduced pressure in the A15 pipeline was expected to result in water supply disruptions, particularly impacting the Bedworthpark, Sharpeville, and Vanderbijlpark reservoir meters. The municipality had made provisions for alternative water supply measures, including the deployment of water tankers to critical facilities such as clinics, hospitals, and schools.
Suspension of the Shutdown for Emfuleni
The suspension of the shutdown for Emfuleni consumers comes as a relief to residents who were preparing for the extended water outage. The decision was made after thorough discussions and coordination between government entities and Rand Water, ensuring that Emfuleni’s water meters would no longer be affected by the shutdown.
However, the municipality has been cautioned to remain on high alert for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise and require water supply to be interrupted. All identified water collection points within the affected wards will remain operational, with water tankers on standby to address any emergent needs.
Continued Maintenance in Other Municipalities
While Emfuleni has been exempted from the shutdown, the 16-day water supply interruption will proceed as planned in other municipalities. Rand Water’s winter maintenance programme, scheduled from 29 May to 21 July 2025, involves staggered water outages across several provinces, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Free State. The maintenance work encompasses essential infrastructure upgrades at key reservoirs and pump stations, such as Eikenhof, Palmiet, Mapleton, and Zwartkoppies, to enhance water supply reliability and efficiency.
Notably, areas like Pretoria East and Vereeniging are expected to experience significant disruptions, with dry taps anticipated for up to 21 days. The operation includes a complete shutdown of the Mapleton pump station for 107 hours, impacting the City of Tshwane and surrounding municipalities.
Rationale for Winter Scheduling
Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai explained that the winter period is optimal for such maintenance due to lower water demand. “Preventative maintenance is scheduled and planned ahead, and is preventative because it prevents breakdown,” Mosai stated. The maintenance aims to enhance water supply, reliability, and efficiency ahead of increased demand in the summer months.
Communication and Mitigation Measures
Rand Water has advised residents to monitor their social media pages for updates on how and when they will be affected. The utility emphasized the importance of municipalities in providing water tankers and ensuring communication with residents. Mosai assured consistent communication throughout the maintenance period and urged communities to use water sparingly.
Long-Term Benefits
The maintenance is part of Rand Water’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and efficient water supply. The operation includes the commissioning of new infrastructure, which will add 600 million litres of water to the system, and the replacement of old pipes to reduce leaks and improve service delivery.
Emfuleni’s Ongoing Water and Sanitation Challenges
Emfuleni Local Municipality has historically faced challenges related to water supply and infrastructure maintenance. In the past five financial years, the municipality has reportedly lost water valued at over R3 billion due to leaks and ageing infrastructure. Efforts to address these issues have been hampered by financial constraints and administrative challenges.
However, recent interventions have shown promise. The Department of Water and Sanitation, invoking Section 63 of the Water Services Act in 2021, appointed Rand Water as its implementing agent to address the situation. Significant milestones have been achieved, including unblocking and replacing collapsed sewer lines, refurbishing pump stations and existing wastewater treatment works, and assisting the municipality with essential operational tools.
The total estimated cost of the intervention is R7.6 billion over a seven-year period, including the completion of major capital works. Upgrades of four wastewater treatment facilities—Rietspruit, Leeukuil, Sebokeng, and Meyerton—are underway, with efforts expected to take three to five years to complete.
Community Response and Concerns
The initial announcement of the 16-day water supply interruption had elicited mixed reactions from the community. While some residents understood the necessity of the maintenance work, others expressed concerns about the duration of the shutdown and the adequacy of the alternative water supply measures. Previous incidents of water supply interruptions and infrastructure failures had eroded public confidence in the municipality’s ability to manage such situations effectively.
The suspension of the shutdown for Emfuleni consumers has been met with relief, though residents remain cautious and prepared for any potential supply challenges. The municipality’s decision to keep water collection points operational and water tankers on standby has been welcomed as a proactive measure.
Contact Information
For more information and updates regarding the water supply situation, residents can contact the Metsi-a-Lekoa Customer Care Centre at:
- Phone: 087 310 3424 / 4095 / 4109
- WhatsApp: 083 434 3473
The municipality has expressed its appreciation for residents’ understanding and cooperation during this period and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
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