Residents of the Lesedi Local Municipality are set to receive full water supply again after Rand Water agreed to lift a 20% water restriction following high-level engagements between government leaders and the utility. The decision comes in the wake of deadly protests over water shortages in Ratanda that claimed two lives.
The agreement was reached during discussions involving Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Rand Water leadership. Government said the move would restore full access to water for affected communities while longer-term interventions are pursued.
The Gauteng Provincial Government extended its condolences to the families of the two people who died during the protests, describing the loss of life as tragic.
Premier Lesufi also condemned the violence that accompanied the demonstrations, including the torching of the residence of Lesedi Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi. He said while residents have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and attacks on public representatives cannot be justified.
“We are working closely with law enforcement agencies. We will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands,” Lesufi said, adding that those responsible for criminal acts would be identified and brought to justice.
At the same time, the premier acknowledged that residents’ concerns about water shortages are legitimate and require urgent intervention. He called for cooperation between government, municipalities and communities to achieve sustainable solutions to the ongoing water challenges in Ratanda and surrounding areas.
As part of measures aimed at improving municipal finances and service delivery, Lesufi directed all Gauteng provincial departments and entities with outstanding debts to the Lesedi Local Municipality to settle their accounts without delay. He said the municipality needed the revenue to function effectively and continue delivering essential services.
Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi said efforts to restore normal water supply had already begun but warned that it could take several days before all affected communities receive water. In the interim, the municipality is supplying residents with water tankers to ensure continued access.
The Gauteng Provincial Government said it will continue engaging stakeholders to stabilise the situation and develop sustainable solutions to the area’s water supply challenges. Premier Lesufi is also expected to visit the families of the deceased on Sunday to offer his condolences and support.