Over 50 Tankers Deployed to Aid Joburg Suburbs Facing Water ‘Crisis’

A severe water shortage crisis in Johannesburg has prompted Johannesburg Water to deploy more than 50 tankers to deliver water to affected suburbs. TimesLIVE reports that the water supply situation has become critical in South Hills, Crown Gardens, and parts of the Commando System. This intervention follows a recent briefing by Johannesburg Water’s COO, Derrick Kgwale, addressing the growing concerns about water supply in the city.

Logan Munsamy, Johannesburg Water’s senior manager for networks, provided insights into the performance of Rand Water reservoirs that supply Johannesburg Water’s reservoirs and towers. Notable improvements were observed in several reservoirs, with increasing water levels. This positive trajectory is encouraging news for the region, indicating that the Rand Water system is moving in the right direction.

Klipriviersberg 1 and 2 reservoirs increased from 18% to 19% and 17% to 18%, respectively, while Klipfontein 1 and 2 reservoirs improved from 44% to 46% and 41% to 44%. These positive trends contribute to a more stable water supply situation in the city.

In addition, Munsamy discussed the performance of reservoirs under the Eikenhof system, highlighting improvements in reservoir levels. The Meredale reservoirs increased from 13% to 16% and 16% to 18%, while Waterval 1 and 2 reservoirs rose from 24% to 22% and 21% to 24%. These reservoirs play a critical role in the overall water supply chain.

Also read: Johannesburg Water Fills Hazardous Hole in Craighall Park

However, challenges remain in some areas, particularly the Commando System, which includes reservoirs and towers under constraints. Crosby Reservoir is among the most severely affected, with water levels at only 5%. Another critical system is the South Hill Tower, which serves areas with low to intermittent water flow.

The Berea reservoir, linked to the Zwartkopjes system, faces challenges with a water level of 27% and relies on water tankers for supply. This reservoir serves critical areas like Bertrams, Bezuidenhout Valley, Bruma, and Cyrildene.

Johannesburg Water’s COO, Derrick Kgwale, clarified that the water tankers were part of an outsourced service that operated in two ways. One aspect focuses on daily water supply to informal settlements, ensuring that these areas receive water through tankers since they lack access to potable running water. Approximately 61 tankers are dedicated to these informal settlements, extending from Orange Farm to Ivory Park.

The second part of the service, known as emergency water tankering, involves deploying about 55 water tankers during water crises or disruptions in areas facing constraints. Kgwale assured the public about the quality of tanker water, stressing that it is regularly tested and safe for consumption.

Regarding the cost of the tanker service, Kgwale mentioned that accurate figures would only be available once the entity has passed the ongoing water crisis. The focus now is on addressing the immediate water supply challenges in the city.

Also read:

Next 5 Years Will Be Tough for Gauteng, Warns DWS Over Water Supply Issues

Picture: Facebook / Johannesburg Water

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