Government acknowledges the significant hardship experienced by households, businesses and communities across Gauteng following the recent Rand Water infrastructure maintenance, which resulted in widespread water supply disruptions. We recognise that access to water is a basic human right, and we empathise deeply with residents who have been affected, particularly vulnerable households and those in higher-lying areas. 

In response to the situation, the Minister of Water and Sanitation and the Premier of Gauteng convened an urgent meeting on 19 December 2025 with all key stakeholders, including Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water. The purpose of the engagement was to receive a comprehensive, first-hand update on the maintenance programme, assess its impact, and ensure decisive interventions to accelerate recovery and stabilise supply.