Johannesburg Mayor Dr. Mpho Phalatse on Thursday opened the new Lenasia Reservoir that will secure water supplies in the area.
The mayor said the timeous delivery of the Lenasia Reservoir was another concrete example of the “golden repair and rebuild the multi-party government is undertaking in order to establish the economic capital of the country as a city of golden opportunities”.
Dr. Phalatse said rapid population growth in Lenasia South – that the City was grappling with – was also happening across the length and breadth of Johannesburg’s 1 645 square kilometres.
“The opening of the new Lenasia Reservoir is one of many infrastructure upgrade projects that the Joburg Multi-Party Government is undertaking to ensure access to quality sustainable basic services to all six-million residents,” said Dr. Phalatse.
“The overall objectives of this project have been to not only improve the storage capacity of the Lenasia High-Level Reservoir but ensure the reliability of supply so that when a resident opens a tap they enjoy clean water – a basic right for us all.”
Earlier, the mayor spoke of the unfolding tragedy of a missing little boy who was thought to have fallen into an uncovered manhole while playing with friends at a park in Dlamini, Soweto.
Nearly three weeks have gone by with rescue and recovery efforts failing to locate the six-year-old boy.
“Allow me to begin by acknowledging the work that Joburg Water, along with the Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), has played in the ongoing recovery of young Khaya Magadla,” said Dr. Phalatse.
“You have worked under very difficult and emotionally charged circumstances.
“We continue to pray for the Magadla family, and officials involved in the recovery operation.”
Mayor Dr. Phalatse was joined at the official opening of the reservoir by the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Michael Sun, Ntshavheni Mukwevho Joburg Water and City officials, and programme director, Nondumiso Mabuza.