Rand Water’s 20% supply cut suspended as Lesedi recovery plan is set

The Gauteng provincial government on Tuesday confirmed that a planned 20% reduction in bulk water supply by Rand Water will remain suspended while authorities work on a financial recovery plan for Lesedi Local Municipality. The outcome followed a high‑level meeting involving provincial and national departments, Rand Water, Lesedi officials and other agencies.

Who met and what was agreed

The meeting brought together representatives from the Gauteng Provincial Government, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, Lesedi Local Municipality and other relevant authorities. Participants agreed the immediate priority is to safeguard water services for communities while implementing a practical financial recovery plan to address the municipality’s outstanding water debt and strengthen long‑term financial sustainability.

“As part of the agreement, the previously implemented 20% reduction in water supply by Rand Water will remain suspended while the recovery process is underway.”

Seven‑day technical review

A multi‑disciplinary technical team has been established and given seven days to develop a comprehensive financial and operational recovery plan. The team includes representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, Lesedi Local Municipality, the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Office of the Premier and Gauteng Provincial Treasury.

“The technical team has been given seven days to develop a comprehensive financial and operational recovery plan.”

The planned report will assess the municipality’s financial position, revenue collection systems, water losses, infrastructure, metering and telemetry, and sustainable options for repaying historical debt while maintaining reliable water services.

Municipality problems and responses

The municipality reportedly described structural challenges contributing to its financial difficulties, including declining revenue after reduced industrial activity, a low revenue collection rate, an increasing number of indigent households and rising operational costs. It also outlined measures already in place to improve revenue collection, contain costs, strengthen water demand management and stimulate local economic development.

Rand Water, the Gauteng government said, reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with government while emphasising the need to ensure the long‑term financial sustainability of the bulk water supply system for Gauteng and surrounding areas.

Concerns over violence

The meeting expressed concern about recent incidents of violence and damage to property linked to the water supply disruptions. All partners condemned criminal acts and appealed to residents to raise concerns peacefully, the Gauteng government said.

Next steps

Authorities will await the technical team’s seven‑day report, which is expected to set out financial and operational options to address Lesedi’s historical water debt while keeping water flowing to residents.

Published: 7 July 2026