Johannesburg: Rand Water's final leg of its planned maintenance programme in Johannesburg kicks off from today with a temporary shutdown of water services that can be expected in parts of the city. The shutdown is expected to last at least 54 hours and impact water systems including Meadowlands Reservoir and Direct Feeds, Doornkop Reservoir and Direct Feeds, Bramfischerville Reservoir 1 and 2 and Direct Feeds, Roodepoort Deep, and Fleurhof Reservoir. According to South African Government News Agency, during a media briefing on Monday, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero explained that as a result of the maintenance, bulk water supply will be reduced and residents should expect low water pressure or outages. Mayor Morero stated that once maintenance ends and pumping resumes on the 8th of January, the system will not recover immediately. Johannesburg Water's infrastructure will require at least seven days to stabilize and recover fully. The City, in collaboration with Johannesburg Water and Rand Water, has impleme nted extensive operational and contingency plans to reduce the impact of this maintenance. Reservoir levels have been managed in advance; response teams are on standby and alternative water will be supplied to affected communities through stationary and roaming tankers during both the maintenance and recovery periods. Mayor Morero emphasized the importance of communication in these efforts. The City and Johannesburg Water will provide regular updates through councillors' official platforms and customer notices to ensure communities receive accurate and timely information. A meeting with councillors of affected areas has been concluded to facilitate direct communication with communities. The city acknowledges the inconvenience and disruptions caused to households, businesses, and institutions as maintenance is carried out. However, this work is essential to safeguard the City's long-term water security, and efforts will continue with Rand Water and key stakeholders to manage this maintenance, prioritizing re sidents' interests.