Johannesburg – The Gauteng department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) said on Friday that a co-ordinated and multi-faceted approach to water management, infrastructure improvement and secured power supply was needed to solve Gauteng’s water supply problems.

Spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa said the problems were discussed at a water stakeholder meeting in Johannesburg by the department of water affairs, Gauteng Cogta, Gauteng municipalities and Rand Water.

“Going forward, the meeting agreed that improved planning and increased co-ordination among the different stakeholders is important and that water conservation, management and efficient use must top the provincial agenda,” he said in a statement.

Many parts of Gauteng last month had no water or an interrupted water supply for up to three weeks.

Water losses

Cogta MEC Jacob Mamabolo said: “As we speak right now, water supply has been restored across all areas in Gauteng and we are keeping a close eye on the situation.”

The problems included illegal irrigation, water losses, water leakages, ageing infrastructure and the inability to efficiently treat and use effluent.

These were compounded by intermittent power cuts caused by cable theft.

Mamabolo urged people to use water sparingly.

Rand Water said it would plan better to meet growing demand.

SAPA