South Africa's Water Supply to Be Rationed

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South Africa's Water Supply to Be Rationed

Rand WaterHas Decided to Ration Its Supply in a Desperate Attempt to Restore Water Servicesin Areas Affected by Ongoing Interruptions

Power cuts caused by cable theft have been blamed forpumps failing at reservoirs.

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has called on Rand Water to improve its communication with residents of Gauteng on the unfoldingwater crisis.Mokonyane held a meeting with Rand Water and other stakeholders managing the supply and told them to remember their responsibility to keep customers informed.

With some areas having gone10 days without water, Gauteng residents have described the situation as ridiculous and are demanding urgent answers.

The utility says valves will be closed in areas which have had water to accommodate areas where taps have already run dry.

Rand Water's Justice Mohale says there no guarantees.

"The decision has been taken to close valves of certain reservoirs to rechannel water to affected areas."

Some of theaffected areasinclude suburbs inthe East Rand, West Rand and large parts of Pretoria.

Meanwhile, Water Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has summoned Rand Waters'sboard members and senior officials for a full status quo report on the crisis which has crippled Gauteng.

The water problemsare also leading to questions about whether its various entities are being properly co-ordinated.

Municipal IQ managing director Kevin Allan says these issues need to be discussed.

"Is it worth having an entity which is an independent and somewhat privatised organisation running first delivery, or should the mayor and city take full responsibility?"

PREMIER TO TACKLE CRISIS

Gauteng Premier David Makhuraon Thursday said he would be meeting with mayors from municipalities across the province on Friday.

During today's meeting,Makhura will discuss the state of infrastructure, service delivery and the unfolding water crisis.

The premier says he's deeply concerned about the ongoing water cuts and has tasked his officials with finding out what the real cause of the crisis is.

Source: EWN

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