JOHANNESBURG – Residents across parts of Gauteng are being urged to brace for reduced water supply as Rand Water initiates vital repair work on a critical pipeline within its network.
This essential maintenance, which kicked off early Tuesday morning, forms part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at providing long-term stability to the province’s water supply system.
The repair work centers on the Palmiet system, a crucial part of the distribution network that services multiple metropolitan areas, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Madibeng.
Water Distribution to be Cut by One-Third
The repairs target leaks in the O2 pipeline, and Rand Water says the task is more than just a patch-up. Temporary fixes from the past are being replaced with permanent solutions to prevent recurring disruptions in the future.
According to Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo, the repairs began at 5 a.m. on Tuesday and are scheduled to conclude by Friday, 18 July. During this time, pumping capacity at the Palmiet system will be scaled down to 67%, significantly affecting water pressure and supply levels in the affected areas.
“These repairs are critical for the long-term sustainability of our water infrastructure,” said Maroo. “While this may cause short-term inconvenience, it is a necessary step to avoid major breakdowns in the future.”
Maintenance Marathon: July Deadline in Sight
The repairs are part of Rand Water’s month-long maintenance drive, which is slated to end by late July. This marathon project addresses aging infrastructure that has led to frequent leaks and temporary shutdowns.
Officials say that once complete, the repairs will increase efficiency and reduce unplanned outages in the future.
Residents in impacted areas have been advised to use water sparingly and store water in advance, especially those in high-lying regions who are more vulnerable to reduced water pressure.
Multiple Municipalities on Alert
Municipalities across Gauteng are on standby, with local governments issuing alerts to residents via various platforms. Emergency water tankers may be deployed in critical areas, though availability may be limited due to the scope of the affected region.
Johannesburg Water and other local utilities are coordinating with Rand Water to monitor pressure levels and communicate any changes in the restoration timeline.
Residents can stay updated through their municipality’s official communication channels and are encouraged to report any major water issues immediately.
Call for Public Cooperation
Rand Water has stressed the importance of public cooperation during this period. While the impact may vary from area to area, the utility is committed to completing the repair work within the announced timeframe and ensuring full restoration of supply soon after.
“This short-term disruption is a small price to pay for improved reliability in the long run,” added Maroo. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding.”
