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Premier David Makhura visited Emfuleni Municipality today following reports of water reduction in high lying areas over a period four days, that is, Friday the 5th of January 2018.
The Premier, out of deep concern, requested a briefing from the Executive Mayor, Councillor Lehana Khawe and his Senior Officials. The Mayor acknowledged that there was a 40% reduction of water supply implemented by Rand Water.
The Executive Mayor indicated that the Municipality has a payment agreement with Rand Water that covers current and historic debt, he committed to oversee discipline of bulk payment in a best possible way. He will also look at issues of consequences management where necessary.
"We have brought in a new Executive Mayor with the same expectation and mandate to improve the quality of life of residents in this community”, the Premier said.
The Premier also engaged the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, on the matter between Rand Water and Emfuleni Municipality. Following this engagement, the Premier was reassured that water would be restored in affected areas by tomorrow.
The Premier advised the Municipal leadership to find a lasting solution to mitigate the current basic service disruptions.
“Having assessed the situation , I am of the view that the Municipal Council should consider a model where Rand Water takes over the function of water supply as well as infrastructure rehabilitation for a period of time due to their capabilities and technical expertise.”, said the Premier. Such interventions have been taken in areas such Middleburg and Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga; Sedibeng in Northwest, Ngaka-Modiri in the Northwest, and Jozini in KwaZulu Natal.
Both the Premier and the Executive Mayor expressed their regret and extended their sincere apology the people of Emfuleni for this inconvenience.
Issued by the Gauteng Provincial Government
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