Ekurhuleni Mayor pledges lasting solution to Bedfordview water crisis

Mapaballo Borotho

Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has promised urgent and long-term solutions to end Bedfordview’s ongoing water shortages.
Immediate efforts include raising Klipfontein Reservoir levels above 50% and improving coordination with Rand Water.
A new O6 pipeline, set for completion in early 2026, will boost supply capacity and ensure a more stable water supply for the area.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has vowed to resolve the ongoing water supply challenges affecting the Bedfordview community, assuring residents and businesses that both immediate relief measures and long-term solutions are underway.

This comes as residents endured an entire weekend without water, relying on supplied water tankers for their daily needs.

Mayor Xhakaza issued a heartfelt apology to all affected, acknowledging the significant disruptions to daily life caused by the crisis.

“We understand the impact these disruptions have had and are committed to resolving the issue promptly and effectively. In collaboration with provincial and national government, as well as Rand Water, we are implementing a comprehensive action plan to restore and stabilise water supply in Bedfordview,” he said in a statement.

As part of short-term interventions, the City aims to maintain Klipfontein Reservoir levels above 50% to ensure adequate water pressure for residents, levels that are currently at 41%.

A high-level meeting held on Sunday, 28 September, saw Rand Water commit to increasing and sustaining reservoir levels above the optimal threshold.

The recently refurbished Signal Hill Reservoir, which underwent a R4 million upgrade, was also inspected, although no incoming water was observed from the Rand Water system during the visit, underscoring the need for enhanced coordination.

Looking ahead, Xhakaza confirmed that a permanent solution is in progress through the construction of the O6 Rand Water pipeline, scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026. This project is expected to boost supply capacity and address peak demand, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply for Bedfordview.

“The City of Ekurhuleni remains dedicated to resolving these challenges and will continue working with all stakeholders to implement both short-term and long-term solutions,” Xhakaza added.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation and will provide regular updates as we make progress.”