The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya of threatening Gauteng’s water security by disconnecting electricity to a Johannesburg Water reservoir in Centurion.
DA spokesperson on water and sanitation Stephen Moore said the decision by the City of Tshwane’s coalition government to “unilaterally” disconnect electricity to the reservoir, while Gauteng is experiencing widespread water outages, was “deeply reckless and irresponsible”.
Moore’s comments come as Rand Water deals with disruptions to pumping operations at its Vereeniging water treatment plant following a power outage in Emfuleni Municipality. The disruption has affected several water supply systems.
“The issue is not the need for the repayment of debt owed to the City, but it is her reckless interference with an already constrained infrastructure system.
“Johannesburg Water has issued several notices confirming that reservoirs are critically low,” Moore said.
The disconnection forms part of the City of Tshwane’s revenue-collection efforts over outstanding municipal debt. Reports indicate that the Johannesburg Water reservoir is linked to a debt of about R62 million.
Moore said the decision could further complicate water supply challenges at a time when parts of Gauteng are already experiencing interruptions.
Moya has previously defended the City’s approach to cutting electricity to defaulting customers, including critical installations, and has indicated that the municipality would continue with the revenue-collection drive.