The City of Tshwane is demanding swift action from a contractor to address critical repairs on the long-neglected Soshanguve reservoir, which has been out of service since 2015. The reservoir, originally envisioned as a permanent solution to alleviate persistent water shortages in surrounding communities, has become a symbol of missed opportunities and political gridlock.
Located along the M17 route, the reservoir was meant to play a key role in addressing water scarcity in local areas. However, its completion has been stalled due to a series of setbacks, including political interference and disputes over business interests. A local business forum reportedly demanded a stake in the final phase of the project, contributing to delays that have left the infrastructure largely dormant for nearly a decade.
Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the reservoir, in its current state, cannot be activated due to significant internal leaks. These leaks must be repaired before the facility can be put to use. Modise also highlighted the impact of vandalism, which has led to the theft of crucial components of the reservoir. A technical team is now working to assess the full extent of the damage, with plans to determine the necessary repairs and their associated costs.
The Deputy Mayor stressed that the reservoir is of paramount importance to the local community, likening it to a power plant in terms of its value to the region’s infrastructure. “When a property like a reservoir is built, the contractor is typically responsible for its quality for a period of 10 to 20 years,” Modise explained. Despite this, the reservoir was never officially handed over to the City, which would have included essential commissioning procedures and leak testing.
Modise made it clear that the City will not bear the cost of the repairs. Instead, the contractor will be held accountable for fixing the issues. If the contractor fails to meet the repair deadlines, the City may explore legal action, but in the meantime, Modise stated that the City would address urgent issues itself, given the pressing need for water in local communities.
The water crisis in areas like Soshanguve and Mabopane has been exacerbated by the high demand for water, leaving residents struggling to access a reliable supply. Modise pointed out that the strategic location of the Soshanguve reservoir makes it a critical asset that could bring substantial benefits to these communities once operational.
Ward 32 Councillor Floyd Thema expressed his frustration with the ongoing water scarcity, particularly in Soshanguve Block L and Mabopane, where residents have been facing water shortages since November last year. Thema has been waiting for a report on the reservoir’s status from Modise and other municipal officials, who inspected the site last year.
The councillor believes that the stagnation of the project can be traced back to the 2016 local government elections, which saw the ANC lose its majority. He speculates that this shift in power may have contributed to the delay. Thema also pointed to the administration of former DA Mayor Solly Msimanga, who took office in 2016, as a factor in the project’s neglect. However, Msimanga has defended his tenure, insisting that he recognized the importance of the reservoir for local development, particularly in supporting the DD line and New Eersterust areas. He attributed the delays to internal political disputes and conflicts with local business forums, especially around the connection of pipes necessary for supplying water to the surrounding communities.
As the City of Tshwane faces ongoing water shortages, the Soshanguve reservoir remains a symbol of both potential and frustration. With the project stalled for years, it now seems to be caught in a cycle of political disputes and delays. The hope is that with renewed focus and accountability, the reservoir can finally serve its intended purpose and provide relief to the communities that have long awaited its benefits.
