JOHANNESBURG - Bedfordview residents have been left frustrated and angry as they enter day 11 without water.
While much of Johannesburg's network has recovered after Rand Water’s maintenance programme, the area is still experiencing supply issues. Residents says jojo tanks points in the community have also not been refilled, exacerbating the frustration.
The residents say they have not received answers from the City of Ekurhuleni as to when the supply will be restored. Some residents who have been in contact with Rand Water said they were told the bulk water utility had completed its maintenance and was now supplying at full capacity.
A resident who spoke to eNCA said there was zero communication from the City.
"It's extremely difficult, and as far as the communication is concerned, it's very inconsistent. What they say and what happens in reality is two different things. We expect water, and then there is no water. It feels as if nothing is being done. They put up a list of all the improvements they are making but the situation is actually worse."
Another resident said: "It's very difficult, we went nine days with not a drop, you can't do laundry, you can collect water from a jojo, you can do your dishes perhaps, but showering is through a bucket, there's just only so much you can do."
Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said the Rand Water outage is due to important infrastructure upgrade that will ensure long-term sustainable water supply.
''We understand the frustration being experienced by residents and the inconvenience they've had. Eleven days is quite a long time, but we just want to reiterate that it is not a municipal reticulation failure. This is part of Rand Water's planned maintenance."
Mbengashe said as of Monday morning, the Signal Hill Reservoir was at 30 percent.
"We do know on Kluwef and Townsend there's some water pressure coming in. I think it's a very tough and frustrating situation, but it's important also that infrastructure gets upgraded so that we have a long-term sustainable water supply.''
Meanwhile, In the City of Johannesburg, the Commando, South Hills and Midrand systems also experienced supply issues.
In a statement at the weekend, Johannesburg Water said the Midrand system remains under pressure.
"Gradual improvements have been observed, with interventions in place. The system remains under capacity constrains, with poor pressure to no water expected in certain parts and higher-lying areas including tower zones," read the statement.
Rand Water will roll out phase 2 of its maintenance in July, which may cause further temporary interruptions.