Africa-Press – South-Africa. Melville residents have warned if the water issues in the suburb are not rectified, they will explore legal actions against the City of Johannesburg.
In a joint letter penned by “Ratepaying citizens” and sent to Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and Johannesburg Water CEO Ntshavheni Mukwehvo on Wednesday, residents complained the suburb had had little to no water since 30 May.
Melville is a suburb west of the Johannesburg CBD in Region B, which the Johannesburg Water Commando System supplies.
The commando system comprises the Hursthill and Crosby reservoirs and pump station and the Brixton reservoir, pump station and tower.
The commando system is usually the first to suffer if there are any issues with supply to Johannesburg Water from bulk water supplier Rand Water because of a growing population and ageing infrastructure.
These areas also consist of multilayered buildings in high-lying areas of the city, so low pressure prevents the water from reaching these parts of the city.
Together the commando system supplies Northcliff, Melville, Auckland Park, and parts of Randburg, Johannesburg CBD, City Deep, the University of Johannesburg and University of Witwatersrand, as well as the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital and Helen Joseph and Garden City hospitals.
The latest issue was a blackout at Rand Water’s Eikenhof pump station, which reduced supply to several parts of the city.
Although the issue has been resolved, water is leaving the reservoirs faster than it can be replenished.
Wednesday’s letter had the expectation of a “prompt response outlining the specific actions that will be taken to address the water crisis in Melville”.
“We, the residents and businesses of Melville, are writing to express our deep concern and frustration regarding the ongoing water challenges that have persisted in our neighbourhood for the past 14 days.
“The prolonged absence of water supply is an intolerable situation that demands immediate action…
“The lack of access to clean and reliable water has caused significant disruptions and hardships in our daily lives.
“Basic activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene have become incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to carry out.
“Additionally, our businesses have been severely impacted, leading to financial losses and hampering our ability to function.”
The letter stated despite numerous attempts to seek information and updates regarding the water situation, “there has been a noticeable lack of communication and transparency from the City of Johannesburg, and specifically Johannesburg Water”.
“We, the residents and businesses of Melville, feel neglected and unheard. It is imperative that the City address our concerns and take swift action to resolve the water crisis we are facing.”
The letter demands:
Responding to the letter, Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the poor pressure and no water conditions resulted from critically low levels at the Hursthill 2 reservoir.
“We have over the past few weeks experienced reduced supply into these reservoirs, mostly due to the vandalism of City Power’s Orlando substation, which feeds Rand Water’s Eikenhof pump station.
“That has since been repaired, but the system is slow to fully recover as various other reservoirs within the city had also run dry in this process and are gradually recovering.
“We are monitoring the reservoirs’ recovery and providing alternative water tanking.
“There have also been some operational challenges which we timeously experience from Rand Water which affects these reservoirs, but we are in regular contact with the bulk supplier to resolve such issues.”
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Water has warned residents Rand Water is planning a 58-hour water shutdown for upgrades from 19:00 on 20 June until 15:00 on 22 June.
The shutdown will facilitate a tie-in of the A19 and B14 pipelines and other system upgrades.
The City of Johannesburg was approached for comment.
Its response will be added once received.
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