Communities across Midrand witnessed a strong show of intergovernmental cooperation recently, as national, provincial and local leaders descended on the area for a high-level oversight visit aimed at resolving persistent water challenges affecting Kaalfontein, Ebony Park, Ivory Park and Rabie Ridge.
The delegation was led by Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, joined by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Dada Morero, and senior municipal leadership including City Manager Dr Floyd Brink.
Inspecting critical infrastructure
They inspected the Midrand water supply network, including the Grand Central Water Tower, President Park Reservoir, construction and upgrade works in Carlswald, the ongoing restoration of the Commando water system, and the Erand Reservoir. These installations form part of the broader system supplying thousands of households and businesses in the area.
Joburg Water officials said the Midrand system is currently operating at 55% capacity, with the President Park Reservoir, which supplies Kaalfontein, Allandale and Ebony Park under significant strain and subject to daily water throttling to allow recovery.
The City attributed the shortages to system supply balancing constraints, increasing demand pressures and critically low reservoir levels.
Government pledges urgent intervention
Minister Majodina reaffirmed government’s determination to stabilise the system. “Government is fully committed to accelerating interventions and ensuring that the people of Midrand have reliable access to water. We have set a clear target to push Gauteng’s water system to at least 90% capacity by 15 February 2026, and all hands are on deck to achieve that.”
Mayor Morero welcomed the timeous response from national leadership. “We appreciate the swift and decisive response from national government. This visit ensures the challenges are addressed with urgency.”
Early signs of recovery
Dr Brink outlined the measures already underway to stabilise supply. “We are implementing targeted interventions including intensive leak detection and repairs, pressure management, rapid response maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. While the system is currently under pressure, we are beginning to see early signs of recovery.”
As recovery efforts intensify, residents are urged to use water sparingly and report leaks immediately. Authorities stressed that community cooperation remains a critical component in safeguarding the system while infrastructure interventions take effect.
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