By Hlakaniphile Vilakaz
The City of Tshwane continues to experience low flows into the Soshanguve Block L Reservoirs following maintenance work carried out by the water utility, Rand Water, since last week, July 12, 2023, at their Haartbeeshoek Reservoir. According to Selby Bokaba, the Acting Group Head of Communication, Marketing, and Events at Rand Water, they are currently supplying water through a bypass method, which is also facing challenges. These issues have resulted in critically low water levels in the city’s reservoirs, affecting the water supply to Soshanguve and nearby areas. The city is awaiting further updates on the progress of the maintenance of the water utility.
Water tankers have been deployed and are coordinated with councillors to address the water scarcity. Meanwhile, residents with access to water are urged to use it wisely and sparingly.
Ayanda Tshabalala, a resident of Soshanguve, expressed her frustration, feeling betrayed by the City of Tshwane, as she and her neighbours now have to walk miles to get water. She emphasized the difficulty faced by those with medical conditions like diabetes, who require a continuous water supply. She also highlighted the challenges of caring for her 3-month-old baby without adequate water.
Tshepo Moloko, a car wash owner, has been severely affected by the water issue in Block L, leading to a significant loss of profit for his business. As washing cars is his only source of income, the need to purchase water from supermarkets or Sasol garages has become a financial burden.
