The Tshwane metro has provided temporary shelter for 67 families whose shacks were flooded when a main water supply pipe burst at an informal settlement in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.

Today, spokeswoman Nomasonto Ndlovu said the families had been moved into several community halls around the city, while the possibility of accommodating some in disused schools was being considered.

The municipality has requested support from civic society and organisations to cater for the needs of the distressed families.

“A call has been made to churches, non-governmental organisations and other relevant structures that can be of assistance to come forward with alternative accommodation, food, blankets and other forms of aid,” said Ndlovu.

She said a further 344 families, also affected by Monday's tragic events, would be moved. Some of the affected families would be given stands that were on council-owned land in the nearby Nellmapius area.

Tshwane emergency services said two children died on Monday when the water supply pipe burst. It was suspected that the children, a four-year-old and a four-month-old, had drowned.

The Tshwane metro announced that it would assist the families of the two children with burial arrangements and counselling services.

Ndlovu said initial indications were that accelerated corrosion of the steel pipe due to its proximity to a railway line could have led to the disastrous burst.

The municipality appealed to residents of Mamelodi and surrounding areas to use water sparingly while technicians and engineers were working around the clock to refill the water reservoirs.