The Gauteng Health Department said it is fully prepared for planned Rand Water maintenance that may disrupt water supplies in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

These preparations are critical because healthcare facilities rely on constant water access for sanitation, sterilization, and patient care. Any failure in the water supply could jeopardize the continuity of medical services across the province.

The maintenance on key bulk water systems began in late May 2026 [2]. According to official alerts, the disruptions are expected to last up to 19 days [1]. The work is part of a coordinated effort involving Rand Water and Eskom winter maintenance to ensure the stability of regional infrastructure.

Steve Mabona, a spokesperson for the Gauteng Health Department, said the department has established contingency measures for healthcare facilities. These plans are designed to prevent service interruptions during the maintenance window. The department is utilizing backup systems and disaster plans to maintain operational standards while the bulk water systems are offline.

The disruptions affect a wide area within Gauteng, specifically targeting Johannesburg and its adjacent municipalities. The coordination between the water utility and the energy provider is intended to minimize long-term risk, though short-term interruptions are inevitable for residents and businesses alike.

Health officials are monitoring the situation to ensure that hospitals and clinics do not run out of essential reserves. The use of dedicated backup water storage is a primary component of the strategy to mitigate the impact of the 19-day [1] maintenance period.

“The Gauteng Health Department said it is fully prepared for planned Rand Water maintenance.”

The coordination between Rand Water and Eskom highlights the interdependence of water and power infrastructure in Gauteng. By implementing disaster plans before the maintenance begins, the Health Department aims to avoid the systemic failures that often occur when urban utilities undergo large-scale repairs, ensuring that critical care remains available despite regional shortages.