Rand Water has announced plans to implement water shifting as a management tool to address strained water systems in Gauteng. This decision comes in response to a directive from the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, who called for the implementation of this measure. Rand Water has committed to conducting load-shifting from less congested lines to alleviate water shortages in the region.
Water shifting involves redirecting the flow of water from areas with lower consumption to communities facing water outages and shortages. Minister Mchunu held meetings with various communities in the province to address water challenges.
Rand Water’s spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo, stated that, following these meetings, the minister directed water service authorities, including Rand Water, to implement water shifting as an interim solution to tackle the water supply issues affecting some Gauteng communities.
Maroo explained, “In line with the minister’s directive, Rand Water is implementing water shifting as a management tool to balance its systems. Water shifting means moving or shifting water from one system to another to ensure a balanced and equitable water supply to municipal customers and residents.”
Rand Water had previously issued a warning regarding excessive water usage in Gauteng, primarily in Tshwane and Johannesburg.