NKANGALA — Communities across parts of Mpumalanga are bracing for possible water shortages as a large-scale maintenance programme involving Rand Water, Eskom and municipalities within the Nkangala District gets underway.
The maintenance programme, scheduled between 29 May and 17 July 2026, will affect critical water infrastructure within the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems, which supply several municipalities, including Thembisile Hani, Dr JS Moroka and Victor Khanye local municipalities.
According to Rand Water, the maintenance programme is aimed at improving operational reliability, reducing the risk of equipment failures and strengthening long-term water supply sustainability.
“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity. They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures,” Rand Water said in a statement.
The utility added that the maintenance had been strategically scheduled during winter, traditionally regarded as a low water-demand period, to minimise disruption to consumers.
Victor Khanye Local Municipality also issued a public notice warning residents and businesses about significant water supply interruptions expected during the maintenance period.
In a notice issued on 29 May 2026, the municipality warned that supply reservoirs could run empty while Rand Water conducts maintenance work at the Mapleton Water Pump Station. The municipality said the interruptions could potentially affect the entire Victor Khanye area during the estimated 12-hour shutdown.
Residents were urged to use water sparingly and store sufficient water for domestic use ahead of the maintenance programme. The municipality also encouraged residents to implement water-saving measures such as taking shorter showers and avoiding unnecessary water usage.
Despite assurances from authorities, the announcement has sparked growing concern among residents already grappling with recurring water shortages and service delivery challenges.
Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Executive Mayor Lesetja Dikgale previously assured residents that contingency plans were in place, including phased shutdowns and the deployment of municipal water tankers.
“We know that water is life, and this is why we are ensuring that our people get purified clean water,” said Dikgale, adding that water supply interruptions would be managed in stages to avoid a total shutdown across all communities.
Rand Water also confirmed that municipalities and direct customers had been issued with a 21-day notice ahead of the maintenance programme to allow sufficient time for contingency planning and public communication.
“Rand Water has indeed issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers. This notification is intended to provide customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers,” the entity said.
The utility added that municipalities had agreed to communicate directly with residents about emergency measures and planned water supply arrangements.
Despite these assurances, concerns remain about whether municipalities are adequately prepared to deal with the impact of prolonged water interruptions.
The Highveld Chronicle submitted a series of questions to Victor Khanye Local Municipality seeking clarity on emergency response plans, water tanker deployment, protection of vulnerable communities and measures to prevent corruption during water distribution.
Among the questions posed were when the municipality received formal notice from Rand Water, how many water tankers had been secured, which areas would receive priority access to water, whether schools and clinics were adequately prepared, and how updates would reach residents in rural communities with limited internet access.
Additional questions focused on whether leaking infrastructure had been repaired ahead of the maintenance period, what emergency budget had been allocated for water relief, and whether municipal leadership would take responsibility should communities remain without water for extended periods.
By the time of publication, Victor Khanye Local Municipality had not responded to the media inquiry.
Questions were also sent to Eskom regarding the planned maintenance and anticipated impact on communities. Although Eskom acknowledged receipt of the inquiry, no response had been received at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, some residents have expressed frustration and concern over the possible disruptions.
One Delmas resident, who requested anonymity, said communities already experiencing inconsistent water supply could suffer the most during the maintenance process.
“Our municipality here in Delmas will suffer with water because our municipality might not assist. Even now there are communities that do not receive water at all. Now it’s going to be worse,” the resident said.
Others have called for calm, saying communities can cope if contingency measures are implemented properly.
Mbali Masondo, a resident from Extension 4, said water bowsers would help residents cope during the shutdown period.
“As long as the municipality has a plan to supply water through bowsers, it’s okay. We can survive with that,” she said.
With maintenance now underway, many residents across Nkangala District will be watching closely to see whether municipalities can effectively manage the interruptions and avoid a deeper water crisis.
