The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng, South Africa has rolled out more water tanks to water stressed communities, as government eases the lockdown regulations under alert level 3.
This particular move follows a call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for needy communities to be targeted for water supply to mitigate the impact of COVID -19 on vulnerable communities. Water tanks have been supplied on a continuous basis across Gauteng to communities residing in overcrowded areas since the outbreak of the pandemic, because it is feared that a significant number of people may be affected. These areas include: Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and the District Municipalities of Sedibeng and West Rand.
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Demand for water tanks to rise even further
According to DWS Gauteng Provincial Head, Sibusiso Mthembu, as the government eases lockdown restrictions, there will be an expectation to cover even more areas that still need water tanks as businesses start to open. “The informal sector, which includes businesses in informal settlements, will require water to conduct business and as a result, there is a need to push for more water tanks and to make sure they are operational,” he added.
In addition to supplying water tanks to congested communities, schools are also receiving water tanks to ensure they meet the health and safety standards required to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
