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

Published

7 months ago

October 13, 2023

The Department of Water and Sanitation has warned that the next 5 years for Gauteng residents won’t be easy. The province grapples with water supply challenges. Eyewitness News reports that the ever-growing population and rising water consumption have revealed the department’s limited capacity to meet the increasing demand. During a workshop in Johannesburg, experts in the sector delved into various issues concerning sustainable water security.

Reservoirs in Johannesburg and Tshwane have been running perilously low, resulting in ongoing water shortages for residents. Sean Phillips, the Director-General of the Water and Sanitation Department, expressed doubts about resolving these water supply challenges soon.

Also read: Budget Constraints Affecting Infrastructure Upgrades, Warns Joburg Water

“For the next five years, we have to focus on reducing demand in Gauteng. Bringing down that average per capita consumption from around 255 litres per day to closer to the international average of 170 litres per capita per day,” Phillips explained.

As a temporary measure, some Johannesburg residents have been reliant on water tankers. At the same time, Tshwane has implemented water pressure control measures to manage the situation.

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