Tshwane takes over water tankers for emergency supply to communities

The City of Tshwane will no longer depend on private contractors to supply emergency water tankers to communities.

On Tuesday, the metro announced that the provision of emergency tankers will now fall under its control.

Fifteen new tankers have been purchased and will remain on standby to assist with emergency water supply.

The City of Tshwane’s emergency water fleet has grown to 41 tankers, which will be deployed to assist communities during water supply interruptions.

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This is part of measures to reduce the metro’s reliance on private contractors while strengthening its internal capacity to operate its own tankers.

While municipal-owned tankers will handle emergency situations, informal settlements without access to water will continue to be serviced by private contractors.

Utility Services MMC Frans Boshielo said the long-term plan is for the city to own and operate 100% of its water tankers.

“Water must come from taps and not from trucks. From the 1st of April 2026, tanker services will be fully municipal-led with 26 tankers in daily operation, 13 newly commissioned and two additional units arriving next month with 23 drivers. This will restore control and reduce long-term cost.”

The city has recently been embroiled in a water supply scandal, with allegations suggesting the so-called “water tanker mafia” has been exploiting the metro’s funds.