The Gauteng Department of Health said it is closely monitoring the impact of ongoing water supply disruptions in parts of the West Rand and Johannesburg districts.
This follows a major pipe burst on Rand Water’s F39 pipeline near Soweto, which has caused water outages and low pressure in several areas.
According to the entity’s Group Chief Executive, Sipho Mosai, they’re “technical teams and contractors are on site and working tirelessly to repair the high-pressure pipe, but not sure when the problem will be resolved.”
The department spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said they’ve put contingency measures in place.
“In the West Rand District, clinics in Mogale City Municipality like Fanyana Nhlapo, Eric Ndeleni, Tarleton, and Maaki Legwete have no water, with back up water tankers empty.
In Rand West City Municipality, Mohlakeng Clinic faces a total outage, while Ya Rona, Koocksoord, and PJ Maree Clinics are relying on low-pressure JoJo tanks.
Leratong Regional Hospital and Dr Yusuf Dadoo District Hospital are also affected.
While still accessing backup water systems, some taps are running dry,” said Modiba.
He highlighted that both hospitals are working with municipalities to ensure delivery of additional water
Modiba cautioned that the disruption has also affected the inner city.
“In the Johannesburg Health District, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic, Hospital, Discoverers Community Health Centre are affected mostly in accident and emergency areas.
Braamfischer Clinic, Princess Clinic and Hillbrow Community Health Centre are affected using internal water backup systems.
The department has already activated contingency measures to ensure that private water tankers can be dispatched to the affected facilities as quickly as possible,” explained Modiba.
In addition, the spokesperson said the department is also engaging with local authorities, to implore them to prioritise health facilities and assist with dispatching water tankers.
Modiba sought to assure residents that the health facilities have water tankers and boreholes to ensure uninterrupted water supplies, but it’ll depend on how long the problems persist.
“Ensuring continued service delivery, with priority on patient care and hygiene, remains our priority.
All affected facilities remain open and operational with necessary adjustments.
The department will continue to provide updates as the situation develops,” remarked Modiba.
