“The persistent high temperatures in Rand Water’s area of operation continued to strain its bulk water supply system in the country’s economic hub of Johannesburg,” Justice Mohale, spokesman for Rand Water, the country’s major water utility, told Xinhua.
The company has implemented water restrictions due to continued drought.
“The lack of rainfall in Gauteng province is exacerbating the situation. The high water demand will cause localized problems in the city of Johannesburg, city of Tshwane and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. All consumers must use water responsibly and sparingly,” Mohale said.
As the water shortage worsens, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane is expected to address the issue on Sunday.
Some of the dams have depleted, and some others have critically low water levels of 30 percent, said Mohale.
Johannesburg is not the only area hit by the water shortage. Residents in some areas in the eastern coastal city of Durban have been left without running water for up to three days.
A persistent drought has put high pressures on the farming community in South Africa and its neighbours.
“Significant drops in crop production are expected in southern parts of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Madagascar, Lesotho and South Africa,” said the World Food Programme. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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