Rand Water granted permission to increase bulk allocation
Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu has granted Rand Water permission to increase its bulk water allocation to address water shortages in parts of Gauteng.
Rand Water has implemented level 2 water restrictions in Gauteng amid an increase in water consumption over the past two weeks, which Rand Water said has resulted in a decline in overall reservoir storage capacity from 52% to 38%.
The utility’s restricted flow has put pressure on the water network's ability to service all households.
Affected municipalities include Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
Mchunu released a statement on Monday following an urgent meeting with municipalities to discuss the water crisis in the province.
"We note the increase in water usage and restrictions imposed by Rand Water in response to deteriorating water levels in their reservoirs, therefore we will increase temporarily the allocation for the abstraction of bulk water to Rand Water’s system in order to meet the demand.
“This should bring relief to some metros, namely Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mogale City District Municipality. However, the measure is for a period of nine months while we seek more permanent solutions to water usage and management,” said Mchunu.
The water utility currently withdraws 4,400 mega litres and has already exceeded its license by 1,600 megalitres since the start of the spring season.
Mchunu says a Water Room committee comprising of Rand Water and all Gauteng municipalities as well as the business sector will be set up to find solutions.
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