The party labels Rand Water’s actions – or rather the lack thereof – as a “serious failure”. (Photo: Shutterstock)
While large parts of Johannesburg and other Gauteng metros suffer from a crippling water crisis, the DA accuses Rand Water of failing to pump enough water.
This despite a temporary license that the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) granted last week to withdraw more water from the Vaal Dam.
According to Helen Zille, the DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, and Stephen Moore, DA spokesperson on water and sanitation, the city is facing a serious water crisis, which requires immediate intervention.
The party labels Rand Water’s actions – or rather the lack thereof – as a “serious failure”.
“The DA was delighted that Rand Water was allowed to withdraw more water from the Vaal Dam after we demanded on 11 February that the DWS increase Rand Water’s licence, to which he agreed on 19 February.
“Rand Water is officially authorized to withdraw more water from the Vaal Dam, but it simply fails to do so,” say Zille and Moore.
(Foto: Rand Water/Facebook)
Although Rand Water has the capacity to pump more than 5,000 million liters of water per day and claims that it is doing so, its own weekly graphs show that it is pumping 266 million liters less per day. In addition, 466 million liters less water reaches residents’ taps.
This while residents were promised by the national and provincial governments that there would be a noticeable increase in water supply.
“Considering that Rand Water has the means to help residents, it is extremely regrettable that it continues to let them down. Rand Water is sitting on its hands in the midst of a serious water crisis and is not communicating adequately with residents.”
The DA also emphasized that the core of the problem lies especially with local authorities. The decay of infrastructure within the metros remains a huge obstacle.
“Municipalities contribute to the crisis by failing to repair leaks, properly maintain infrastructure and manage water demand effectively.”
The DA is now demanding that Rand Water immediately account for why many residents are still without water, even after the issuance of the temporary licence.
The party asks that Rand Water present a concrete plan to increase capacity and work with the metros to ensure that the additional water reaches the areas most affected by the shortages.
“Gauteng can no longer send out media releases and updates while residents are without water. The temporary license was issued to stabilize the system in a crisis – now Rand Water must use it,” say Zille and Moore.
- Maroela Media has approached Rand Water for comment. Their feedback will be updated as soon as it is received.