Residents fight for water use

BROKEN PIPES, DRY TAPS

- GCWALISILE KHANYILE

RESIDENTS and civic organisations have urged the City of Tshwane to resolve the water supply issues emanating from pipe leaks, bursts, and illegal connections instead of trying to impose a limit on residents, who often go for weeks without water in their taps

At the centre of the controversy is the City’s attempt to set the limit due to overconsumption. Rand Water is pumping 926 million litres per day to Tshwane, when it is supposed to be pumping 662 million litres per day, which is 22% more than the City’s permitted limit. Despite this, water doesn’t reach some residents.

Tshepo Matlaela, a community leader and activist in the Ga-Rankuwa Township, said some communities don't get water for weeks, which forces them to fetch water from other communities.