Ekurhuleni allocates nearly R200 million to address water shortages

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Ekurhuleni has allocated nearly R200 million for the completion of eight water reservoirs within the municipality.

Mayor Doctor Xhakaza revealed during his State of the City Address on Thursday that the eight reservoirs currently under construction are nearing completion.

The reservoirs will provide water to Tembisa, Germiston, and other elevated areas in the metro.

Xhakaza stated that this initiative is part of the city's efforts to tackle water shortages in Ekurhuleni.

"In our efforts to create a water safety and security net, the city has invested about R2 billion in water and sanitation infrastructure including the construction of 21 reservoirs, and four towers. In the current financial year, R196 million has been available for the completion of 8 reservoirs, which are currently at various stages of construction - between 70% and 90%."

READ: Ekurhuleni EFF blames ANC for distrupting Xhakaza's State of the City Address

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) coalition in the City of Ekurhuleni has been divided by the issue of potholes, with the parties pointing fingers at each other over a failure to repair them.

A council sitting descended to chaos after EFF councillors led a silent protest over potholes during Xhakaza's State of the City Address.

The party raised placards during the sitting, blaming Xhakaza for the backlogs in repairing potholes.

This infuriated ANC councillors, leading to an altercation and heated verbal exchange between members of the two coalition partners.

Xhakaza said although he doesn't support the way the EFF expressed their frustrations over potholes, they are indeed a thorn in the side of the city.

"The issue of potholes is steadily becoming an albatross for the city. This is not only impacting on the road users but also on the economy of the region because roads are the backbone of the movement of goods and services."