Gauteng residents share their displeasure over the water shutdown

Rand Water says the long weekend maintenance was ideal since schools, industries and businesses have closed

A woman who got married over the weekend has told of how the water crisis in Gauteng overshadowed what should have been a joyful day and nearly ruined a wedding that had taken months of careful planning.

Nomfundo Sibiya Dube, 21, told Sowetan that her guests had to wait for at least three hours before they were served lunch.

“We were able to provide them with still water, but it was devastating when it came to toilets and food preparation,” thebride said. 

Many parts of the province have been experiencing dry taps after Rand Water undertook infrastructure maintenance these past few days. 

Many residents said the shut down, in the midst of a heatwave, was an inconvenience, expressing their displeasure over the unexpected water shutdown during the long weekend.

Sibiya said the lack of water inconvenienced her guests.

This water crisis overshadowed what should have been a day of unforgettable happiness and cherished memories.newly-wed

“This water crisis overshadowed what should have been a day of unforgettable happiness and cherished memories. Instead, it left me and my family stressed, apologising to guests, and struggling to manage an event that took months of careful planning,” the frustrated newly-wed said.

A Mogale City resident, Eric Mbo described the lack of water as a “mess”.

“I live alone but over the weekend I had friends over and it was a mess. We were not able to use the bathroom, it was smelly because we couldn’t flush the toilet. They [Rand Water] could have at least chosen a less busy weekend.    

“We had to even run after a water truck at night...the entire community basically. We called each other when we saw a truck and it was a mess,” the 35-year-old man said.

However, Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said the timing of the maintenance was ideal since schools are closed and many industries and businesses have closed.

“This makes consumption manageable, thus, will accelerate recovery and stability of the system.”

A resident from Soweto who started renovating her house four days before the water shutdown said the project needs to be done before Christmas day, but the workers had to stop due to the lack of water.

“I tried to gather water during the night and fill every container I had but it was not enough for my builders,” said Vangile Nyathikazi.

The maintenance at Eikenhof pump station is expected to  affect the following Johannesburg Water systems: Soweto, Randburg/Roodepoort, Commando (Brixton, Crosby and Hursthill), Lenasia, parts of Johannesburg central including Eagles Nest, Crown Gardens, Aeroton and Alan Manor reservoirs. 

According to some residents, water came back on Monday but the pressure was low.

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