Johannesburg is facing a severe water crisis, with 28 out of 61 reservoirs and towers critically low or without water. The city's water utility, Joburg Water, attributes the crisis to high demand exceeding capacity, compounded by a power failure that disrupted pumping operations. Residents face reduced water pressure and in some areas, complete water outages. The DA calls for decisive action and a complete overhaul of water infrastructure management.
Johannesburg is grappling with a severe water crisis , with 28 out of 61 reservoirs and towers now critically low or completely without water. Joburg Water, the city's water utility, reported that its systems are facing significant challenges due to demand exceeding available capacity. Adding to the strain is an Emfuleni power failure that has disrupted pumping from Rand Water’s Forest Hill and Eikenhof systems, crucial for supplying the city.
As a result, water pressure is being reduced in many areas, and some neighborhoods are experiencing complete water outages.\The utility's latest system status report paints a stark picture: 28 reservoirs and towers are classified as critically low, 24 are at fair levels, and 9 are stable. Despite these dire conditions, Johannesburg remains under Level 1 water restrictions, with Joburg Water implementing additional water supply reductions since November 8th, 2024. Nico de Jager MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development, expressed deep concern for residents who have endured days, and in some cases weeks, without water. He criticized the constant blame-shifting between Rand Water, Eskom, and City Power, demanding decisive action and proper contingency planning from authorities.\De Jager outlined three key initiatives the DA would implement if in power: establishing independent power suppliers at all major pump stations using solar and battery systems; requesting the inclusion of Gauteng municipalities in the Minister for Infrastructure's infrastructure support program; and urging the Gauteng Provincial Government to declare an emergency and implement immediate measures to address the crisis. He emphasized that the situation demands more than mere crisis management, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of water infrastructure management and maintenance practices
WATER CRISIS JOHANNESBURG WATER RESTRICTIONS DAM LEVELS INFRASTRUCTURE
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