Deputy President Paul Mashatile has convened a meeting of the Water Task Team to outline urgent interventions aimed at stabilising Gauteng’s water supply.
The move follows disruptions in late January caused by electro-mechanical failures at pump stations operated by Rand Water, as well as a major pipeline burst that temporarily reduced bulk supply to parts of the province.
While Rand Water has since restored full capacity, municipal systems — particularly in Johannesburg — continue to experience strain. Authorities say low reservoir levels, high consumption and ageing infrastructure remain key challenges, with water losses averaging about 33%.
Measures to ease pressure on the system include load shifting, the deployment of water tankers to affected communities and technical support for municipalities.
Mashatile, who chairs the task team, is expected to visit Johannesburg next week to monitor progress.
Meanwhile, civil society organisation WaterCAN has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of another committee to address the country’s water crisis, saying previous structures have failed to deliver concrete results.
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