By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Water utility Rand Water has completed its 86-hour maintenance plan at the Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes pump stations in Johannesburg.
Rand Water conducted maintenance work at both pump stations. This was to correct historical defects and to increase the flexibility and availability of the Eikenhof engine rooms.
The Eikenhof pump station feeds systems including Soweto, Roodepoort and Randburg, Commando (Brixton, Crosby and Hursthill), Lenasia and parts of Johannesburg central including Eagles Nest, Crown Gardens, Aeroton and Alan Manor reservoirs.
In a statement issued on Monday, the water utility said pumping had started and low-lying areas would recover first.
Pumping to Johannesburg Water affected towers will only take place once the respective reservoirs have recovered to sufficient levels and where operational intervention will be required, especially the removal of airlocks that prevent interruption in flow,” it explained.
The water utility has called for patience from residents who still have not had their water restored. It says it will take 5 to 14 days for its systems to fully recover after it embarked on an 86-hour maintenance plan.
“Alternative water supply will continue to be provided for the next few days as and where required, informed by how the systems recovers.”
Meanwhile Civil Society Organization WaterCAN’s Dr Ferrial Adam emphasized that while infrastructure maintenance is crucial, its execution should have considered the city’s current water struggles.
Adam explained that the choice of December was justified by lower city population levels but argued that ongoing water shortages and dry reservoirs should have prompted a delay.
When asked about alternatives, WaterCAN suggested postponing the maintenance until a more suitable period.
However, Rand Water cited a potential R21 million loss if private contractors delayed the project, a justification Adam critiqued. “We don’t even know the contractor’s identity or how they were selected. At times like this, the private sector must recognize their role in society and listen to the people’s concerns, “she remarked.
Adam further highlighted Johannesburg’s fragile water infrastructure, noting that reservoir leaks exacerbate recovery delays. “Water is not like electricity; restoring supply requires filling reservoirs first, which could mean two difficult weeks for residents,” she cautioned.