JOHANNESBURG — Rand Water has successfully concluded the first phase of its extensive planned maintenance programme, with key pumping facilities at Mapleton and Eikenhof returning to full operational capacity on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that all scheduled primary maintenance tasks and complementary infrastructure projects, carried out between 29 May and 2 June, were completed on time and within scope.
“Rand Water is now supplying at full capacity. Municipal systems are in the recovery phase,” the city stated in an official update.
Strategic Infrastructure Renewal Underway
The maintenance initiative forms a cornerstone of Rand Water’s multi-year infrastructure resilience strategy, targeting the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch water supply systems. The broader programme, running from 29 May to 17 July 2026, aims to enhance the reliability, operational flexibility, and long-term sustainability of bulk water infrastructure serving multiple provinces.
According to Rand Water, the works prioritise critical upgrades to electrical systems and pumping infrastructure—interventions designed to bolster system resilience against future demand pressures and operational disruptions.
While the utility had previously cautioned that temporary pump shutdowns could lead to intermittent supply constraints, the successful completion of Phase One signals a positive trajectory for system stabilisation.
Scope of Works and Regional Impact
Key maintenance activities undertaken during this phase include:
- Eskom-coordinated electrical upgrades across the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems;
- Installation and modernisation of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4;
- Replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging, and Foresthill facilities;
- M11 pipeline cross-connection enhancements within the Mapleton system.
The programme affects parts of Gauteng, North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga provinces. Impacted local municipalities include the metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, alongside Mogale City, West Rand, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe, and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.
Several industrial clients, mining operations, and direct customers—including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)—were also advised to prepare for potential supply fluctuations during active maintenance windows.
Recovery Gains Momentum in Tshwane
The City of Tshwane has reported encouraging progress in its water distribution network following the conclusion of Phase One.
“Most of the city’s reservoirs, towers, and supply systems have remained stable throughout the recovery period, with water supply being maintained across most affected areas,” a city spokesperson said.
Rand Water indicated that the Palmiet System is currently operating at approximately 89% capacity as the broader network continues to stabilise. While full operational capacity has not yet been restored, steadily rising reservoir levels signal a gradual return to normal service conditions.
“All affected systems are showing signs of improvement, and recovery efforts continue to yield positive results across the network,” the City of Tshwane affirmed.
Looking Ahead: Phase Two Scheduled for July
Rand Water has confirmed that the second phase of the planned maintenance programme is set to commence on 17 July 2026. This next stage will continue the utility’s focused efforts to modernise ageing infrastructure, mitigate systemic vulnerabilities, and strengthen long-term water security for the region.
Residents and businesses in affected areas are encouraged to monitor official municipal and Rand Water communication channels for real-time updates on supply status and maintenance progress.
