Tshwane Reservoirs Show Recovery as Govt Warns of Stronger Intervention

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has welcomed early signs of recovery in water storage levels across several key reservoirs in the City of Tshwane, as efforts to stabilise supply in the north-western parts of the metro begin to yield results.

Most areas in Region 1, including parts of Mabopane, Klipgat and Soshanguve, are now receiving water as recovery measures gain momentum.

Oversight Visit to Key Reservoirs

Mahlobo, accompanied by Tshwane's MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo, conducted an oversight visit on Wednesday to:

• Klipgat Reservoir

• Mabopane Main Reservoir

• Soshanguve L Reservoir

The visit assessed progress in boosting water supply capacity, stabilising reservoir levels and improving system performance in critical supply zones.

Reservoir Status: Stabilising but Still Under Pressure

Officials reported that:

• Soshanguve L Reservoir remained stable throughout the day, with all areas supplied directly and via the tower zone receiving water.

• Mabopane Main, Klipgat and Kruisfontein reservoirs remain low but are holding steady and showing gradual improvement as balancing measures continue.

The improvements follow interventions aimed at managing system pressure and restoring equilibrium in supply.

Support with Accountability

Mahlobo stressed that the Department of Water and Sanitation's primary objective is to support the City of Tshwane in restoring reliable supply.

"We are here first and foremost to support the City of Tshwane and to ensure that residents receive reliable water supply," he said.

However, he cautioned that support must be matched by decisive municipal action.

"Where there is insufficient progress, we will take the necessary steps to assume greater responsibility to safeguard water security for residents."

While cooperative governance remains the preferred approach, Mahlobo said accountability and measurable improvements are non-negotiable.

Maintenance Concerns and Three-Month Directive

The Deputy Minister raised serious concerns about infrastructure neglect and inadequate maintenance at some facilities.

He directed that the Soshanguve L Reservoir be restored to full operational capacity within three months, calling its current condition unacceptable.

He also noted that the Klipgat Reservoir is equipped with the necessary infrastructure and must be properly maintained and fully utilised to stabilise supply.

Ongoing Gauteng Water Challenges

The oversight forms part of broader interventions to address persistent water supply disruptions in Gauteng, where residents face intermittent outages caused by:

• System pressure constraints

• Rising water demand

• Ageing infrastructure

The department and the city have committed to continued monitoring and corrective action to ensure sustainable service delivery.

Residents Urged to Use Water Sparingly

Authorities have urged residents to conserve water during the recovery phase to help sustain improvements and prevent further strain on the system.

As stabilisation efforts continue, government has signalled that stronger intervention remains an option if municipal performance does not meet required standards.