By Thobeka Makume
Water levels in several reservoirs in Tshwane are showing signs of improvement following recent power outages that disrupted supply across the city. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya announced on Sunday that while the system remains under pressure, steady progress has been made overnight, with four of the eight previously empty reservoirs now above 20% capacity. The reservoirs showing improvement include The Reeds, Soshanguve L NW, Soshanguve SE, and Mabopane Main.
Mayor Moya noted that the city is working continuously to restore water flow to all affected areas, but cautioned that the water system is still fragile. “Efforts will continue throughout the day to enhance flow rates and support the recovery of the remaining reservoirs,” said mayoral spokesperson Zintle Mahlati. Residents who currently have water access are urged to use it sparingly to help stabilise the system and aid in the full replenishment of reservoirs. For communities still experiencing shortages, Tshwane will maintain the deployment of water tankers to provide much-needed relief.
Impact of Power Outages on Water Supply
The ongoing water shortages in Tshwane stem from a power trip at Rand Water’s Palmiet Booster Pump Station on Wednesday, which affected water distribution across the city. This incident drained water networks and storage facilities, leaving several communities without access to water. Although Rand Water has been working to address the issue, the recovery process has been gradual, as airlocks in the system have further delayed the flow of water into key reservoirs.
Rand Water informed Tshwane officials on Saturday that the Hartbeeshoek Reservoir level had not improved despite additional inlet valves being opened. The city’s spokesperson, Selby Bokaba, explained that airlocks had formed in the system during the outage, creating blockages that hindered water flow. “According to the water utility, a team has been dispatched to bleed the line of air to enable water flow, which will include the Laudium and Attridgeville system, which is also receiving no flow,” said Bokaba.
City’s Response and Deployment of Water Tankers
The Tshwane city council has taken a proactive approach in addressing the water shortage crisis, deploying 126 water tankers to supply water to impacted communities, including essential facilities such as hospitals. Mayor Moya and her team have escalated the matter to the intergovernmental level, seeking urgent intervention to resolve the ongoing challenges in the water supply.
The city has also been working closely with Rand Water to restore normal operations as soon as possible. The bleeding of airlocks in affected pipelines is a priority, as this is expected to restore water flow to critical reservoirs like Hartbeeshoek. Bokaba indicated that while the water level at the Klipfontein Reservoir has started to rise, air pockets in the system continue to obstruct the transfer of water, complicating the recovery process.
Residents Urged to Conserve Water Amid Recovery Efforts
As the city works to stabilise water levels, Tshwane authorities are calling on residents to use water sparingly. Spokesperson Zintle Mahlati encouraged those with restored water access to limit their usage, explaining that responsible consumption is essential to maintaining system stability. “We will be closely monitoring reservoir levels, and in the meantime, we urge residents who currently have water supply to use it sparingly to help maintain system stability and support the full replenishment of reservoirs,” said Mahlati.
Communities still without water are advised to rely on the city’s water tanker services for the time being. The city remains committed to providing relief until the water system is fully operational and capable of meeting demand.
Steps Taken to Prevent Future Outages
The recent water supply crisis has prompted the Tshwane city council to evaluate its infrastructure and preparedness for similar events in the future. While power outages and technical faults are not always avoidable, city officials are exploring ways to strengthen the resilience of Tshwane’s water distribution network. Part of this approach includes working with Rand Water and other stakeholders to ensure that emergency protocols are in place and that communication channels remain open to minimise the impact of such disruptions on residents.
Mayor Moya’s administration has expressed its commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, with a focus on water security and sustainability. The recent crisis has underscored the importance of collaborative action between government entities, service providers, and the community to ensure a reliable water supply.
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