Up to 10 Million Could Be Left Without Water

Statement by Stephen Moore MP – DA Spokesperson on Water and Sanitation:

The DA is seriously concerned that a single electricity trip in Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Treatment Plant can destabilise the provision of water across Gauteng, threatening more than 10 million residents. While Gauteng municipalities have failed in maintaining their own water infrastructure, the fault here lies with Rand Water.

This is not an isolated incident. In 2024 peak summer, taps were dry across Gauteng due to a electricity failure at the same plant. If Rand Water is to tout itself as the best water board in the country, it must then have the infrastructure to prove it, which these repeated incidents fail to.

The DA will immediately write to the Minister of Water & Sanitation for her direct intervention and leadership in ensuring:

• Regular public updates on pumping status and recovery steps;
• A clear explanation of what failed at Zuikerbosch, why it keeps failing, and whether backup systems work;
• The Department enforces minimum standards for backup power and redundancy at nationally critical facilities like Zuikerbosch; and
• Conducts an incident review and a time-bound plan to prevent recurrence.

Water is a basic human right, which residents pay for. It is unacceptable that the reality for Gauteng residents are failed promises, a lack of communication and action. The DA will ensure accountability.