With the many months of water issues which includes suburbs in Joburg South with homes that have had no running water all, State Owned Entity Rand Water has consistently provided no explanations nor reasons for this humanitarian crisis.
The Rand Water reservoirs concerned are Meyershill and Klipriviersberg.
Both reservoirs are connected to the South Hills Water tower, located in Risana in Johannesburg South, which is crucial to the water supply in the region.
As a result, we have submitted a PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act) application requesting the following information;
- With reference to the Meyershill Reservoir:
- The reasons for Meyershill Reservoir being out of commission for approximately 18 months.
- All maintenance, repair, or investigation reports related to the Meyershill Reservoir during this period.
- Decisions, minutes of meetings, or correspondence that detail the rationale behind its non-operational status.
- With reference to the Klipriversberg Reservoir:
- Detailed records explaining the consistent low levels of the Klipriversberg Reservoir.
- Data on water inflows and outflows, maintenance reports, and any factors affecting its capacity.
- Decisions, minutes of meetings, or correspondence that shed light on the operational challenges faced by this reservoir.
A PAIA application gives legislative effect to the right of access to information which means that Rand Water, in this case, is obligued to provide the requested information within 30 calandar days from the submission of this request. Should Rand Water refuse to comply or not provide the requested information, they will be guilty of an offence and may be fined and/ or imprisoned for a maximum of 3 years.
This information will provide some insight into why the water issues continue to be unresolved while thousands of people are left waterless.
Manny de Freitas MP
Member of Parliament for Johannesburg South
