Pretoria – The Department of Water and Sanitation has emphasized the urgent need for consistent maintenance at the Hartebeesthoek Reservoir, warning that failure to address structural issues could lead to catastrophic flooding in surrounding communities.
Minister Pemmy Majodina sounded the alarm during an oversight visit, stressing that the reservoir, which processes over 100 million liters of water daily, requires immediate attention to prevent potential collapse. “If this structure were to fail, entire communities could be flooded,” Majodina said.
Maintenance Efforts Underway
The department assured the public that maintenance work is proceeding as scheduled. “We are on track with our program,” officials stated, highlighting upgrades such as the installation of parallel pipelines to minimize future disruptions. “Next time we conduct maintenance, communities may not even feel the impact because we are implementing systems to ensure uninterrupted water flow,” the department explained.
Challenges in Hammanskraal
Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane acknowledged ongoing water supply challenges, particularly in Hammanskraal, where residents have faced intermittent service. Minister Majodina engaged with the community, assuring them that a system-wide flushing process is underway to resolve persistent issues.
However, officials reported interference from criminal elements attempting to sabotage repair efforts. “Some individuals are blocking city workers from doing their jobs,” a deputy mayor said, condemning the disruptions. Law enforcement has been called in to ensure repairs continue unhindered.
Crackdown on “Water Tanker Mafias”
Minister Majodina also raised concerns about so-called “water tanker mafias,” accusing them of exacerbating water shortages by vandalizing infrastructure to secure lucrative municipal tenders. “Water tankering should only be an emergency measure—not a permanent solution,” she said, criticizing the practice as costly and poorly monitored.
Call for Long-Term Solutions
The department reiterated the need for regular infrastructure maintenance to ensure reliable water delivery. “We cannot compromise on water access—it is a basic human right,” Majodina stated, urging communities to remain patient as repairs progress.
With teams working around the clock, officials remain confident that the reservoir upgrades will be completed on time, restoring stable water supply while mitigating future risks.