By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rand Water is conducting phased maintenance from 29 May – 02 June 2026, in Gauteng, affecting Midrand, Soweto, Deep South, Randburg, Roodepoort, Commando, Sandton, and Central systems.
The maintenance will affect these areas directly as the Eikenhof system will pump at a reduced rate for 12 hours.
Rand Water said the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure aimed at improving system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term water supply stability.
According to Rand Water, some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to several municipalities, industries and direct customers.
“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity. They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures, “the utility said in a statement.
In line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers.
The Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, had convened an intergovernmental session to finalise a province-wide response ahead of the maintenance.
Mamabolo emphasised the importance of the planned work, describing it as critical to ensuring long-term water security.
“Routine maintenance is critical to extending the lifespan of infrastructure and ensuring a reliable, consistent and sustainable water supply.”
The meeting brought together municipal MMCs and senior water and sanitation officials from across Gauteng, alongside Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to strengthen coordination during the five-day maintenance period.
Municipalities outlined their preparedness plans, including water storage strategies and contingency supply measures. The provincial government has committed to enhanced monitoring and rapid response interventions where needed.
The intergovernmental session also focused on long-term priorities for the province’s water sector, including reducing non-revenue water losses, improving infrastructure maintenance, strengthening municipal capacity and adopting digital systems for proactive water management.
Residents have been urged to use water sparingly and remain informed through official communication channels during the maintenance period.
“We urge residents to heed public notices and use water sparingly during this period. Together, we must balance immediate needs with long-term water security, “Mamabolo said.