Media statement 30 January 2024
Cllr Cilliers Brink
Executive Mayor of Tshwane
Earlier today, I conducted a service delivery oversight visit in Hammanskraal in Region 2. This forms part of our drive to ensure the successful implementation of our Urban Management Plan. As regularly communicated, our Urban Management Plan focuses on key routes within regions, including public spaces such as parks and key buildings.
In Hammanskraal today, our teams on the ground delivered basic services such as cutting grass, patching potholes and fixing street lights. I also had the opportunity to engage with regional staff and management who highlighted challenges faced by employees, including operational issues, such as an overreliance on contractors. These conversations are important, especially as we go into the budget planning cycle.
I have also been to Mamelodi on Monday to conduct an oversight visit to the Mamelodi R3 and R4 Reservoirs. This in response to the water supply challenges affecting many of our residents.
Our teams are working towards ensuring a stable supply of water for all residents. As of this morning, 30 January 2024, our reservoir levels were improving with Mamelodi R3 Reservoir at 52% and Mamelodi R4 Reservoir at 29%. While increasing reservoir levels is promising news, the main issue is still illegal connections to our water systems by informal settlements.
The reality is that there is an increasing number of land invasions near our Mamelodi reservoirs. This has led to high levels of illegal connections on the water distribution network, which interrupts water supply to law-abiding residents who diligently pay their rates and taxes.
In response to this issue, the City is working on a plan to safeguard the water supply infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted access to clean and safe water for all residents in Mamelodi and broader areas.
We apologise to the affected residents for the water supply challenges.
Media enquiries: Sipho Stuurman