Rand Water’s Major Maintenance on Track, But Full Recovery Will Take Time

As Gauteng’s reservoirs undergo essential upkeep, residents face short-term discomfort for long-term stability

Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and several surrounding municipalities are in the thick of a massive water infrastructure upgrade, with Rand Water confirming that phase two of its planned maintenance is running smoothly. But while technicians are hitting their targets, some residents are still waking up to dry taps or trickling water pressure and full recovery won’t happen overnight.

Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said the multi-phased project, aimed at reinforcing Gauteng’s aging water infrastructure, is unfolding as expected. The second phase currently affects parts of the City of Johannesburg, City of Ekurhuleni, and local municipalities including Mogale City, Merafong, Madibeng, Rand West City, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng, and numerous industrial zones and mines.

Why This Maintenance Matters

This isn’t just a case of patching up old pipes, it’s a deep, structural intervention. The 16-day regulatory inspection and cleaning of the Hartebeeshoek reservoir, which feeds large swathes of Tshwane, is a legal requirement under South Africa’s dam safety regulations.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba explained that work began early Wednesday, and will continue until 18 July, starting with valve isolation and testing, followed by a three-day draining process. A bypass valve is being installed to redirect supply and reduce disruption.

“It’s a balancing act,” Bokaba said. “Low-lying areas will continue to receive water, though at reduced pressure. High-lying communities, unfortunately, will see full outages during this process.”

Once drained, the reservoir will be cleaned over six days, then disinfected for three more, before supply resumes and the system begins its slow recovery.

Who’s Affected in Tshwane?

The list is long. If you live in or rely on water from Akasia (East and West), Ga-Rankuwa (East, West, and Industrial), Soshanguve, Mabopane, Klipfontein, Winterveldt, or Rosslyn, expect disruptions.

And even once maintenance ends, it doesn’t mean you’ll get water immediately. Rand Water has warned that system pressure will build slowly, starting with low-lying zones and working its way up, a process that could take several days.

Expert View: Maintenance Welcome, But Not a Cure-All

Dr Ferrial Adam from WaterCAN welcomed the planned intervention, calling it “a positive and necessary step toward ensuring the resilience of our bulk water infrastructure.”

However, she was quick to point out that deeper challenges remain. “This won’t fix the municipal-level issues that many communities face daily, like pipe bursts, water leaks, and inconsistent supply. Those need urgent investment, better local management, and greater accountability.”

Adam’s warning echoes what many residents already know: infrastructure is only as good as the system that supports it. While Rand Water is doing its part, local governments must follow through.

Social Media Reaction: Frustration Meets Understanding

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), responses to the maintenance updates have been mixed. Some praised the transparency and planning, with users noting they were “grateful to be informed in advance.”

Others were less patient. “Another day with no water and no truck in sight,” one Tshwane resident posted. Others questioned whether local municipalities were prepared to coordinate water tankers and alternative supply during the outages.

What You Can Do Now

For residents across Gauteng, the best approach is to stay informed and plan ahead. Keep an eye on updates from Rand Water and your municipality. If you’re in a high-lying area, store water in advance. And if you’re a business, adjust operating hours or staff expectations accordingly.

Rand Water’s Maroo reminded residents that this disruption is temporary, and ultimately designed to ensure long-term reliability in one of the country’s most water-stressed provinces.

The Bigger Picture: Water Is Everyone’s Responsibility

This moment underscores something bigger: South Africa’s water system is under strain, and fixing it will require not just periodic maintenance, but lasting change, from national policymakers down to local communities and businesses.

“Sustainable access to clean water depends on coordinated action from all levels of government,” Dr Adam said, “and it must also include civil society and the private sector.”

The message is clear, water security isn’t just Rand Water’s job. It’s a shared responsibility. And while this maintenance work is a good start, the long game is just beginning.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com