Hoping for a miracle: A man sits on a rock used to block access to Lenasia as Phumlamqashi informal settlement residents protest water issues following the disconnection of illegal connections weeks ago. Photo by Gallo Images
JOBURG WATER released a report titled ‘No Drop’, highlighting significant challenges in the city’s water system in 2023.
The report revealed that 26% of water treated for municipal use is lost due to leaks and pipe bursts. Additionally, Joburg’s per capita water consumption of 279 litres per day far exceeds the international average of 173 litres.
Fast forward to November 2024, and the city continues to grapple with its water crisis.
Residents of the Phumlamqashi informal settlement protest over water issues after illegal connections were disconnected during an operation weeks ago. Photo by Gallo Images
Motorists navigate barricaded roads in Protea Glen as residents protest over six days without water, blaming authorities for failing to resolve the issue. Photo by Gallo Images
During a press briefing, Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina said the issue is due to growing demand caused by population growth and rising temperatures as summer approaches.
Frustrated residents have taken to the streets to protest water cuts.
In Phumlamqashi, residents staged protests on 2 December 2024, after water disconnections targeting illegal connections left them without access. Just days later, on 4 December, Soweto’s Protea Glen residents claimed they had been without water for six days.
Praying for a drop of water: Residents of the Phumlamqashi informal settlement protest over water issues after illegal connections were disconnected during an operation weeks ago. Photo by Gallo Images
Barricaded roads in Protea Glen: Residents, say they have been without water for six days, accuse authorities of failing to address their issues. Photo by Gallo Images
A message on the board reflects the frustration of Phumlamqashi informal settlement residents protesting over water shortages and alleged broken promises by authorities. Photo by Gallo Images
The struggle for water persists as residents of Phumlamqashi protest against water cuts in Lenasia. Photo by Gallo Images
Many accused authorities of failing to resolve the crisis, forcing them to fetch water from neighbouring areas.
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Joburg Water addressed recent resident protests over water cuts in Lenasia South, noting improvements in the Lenasia High-Level Reservoir’s water levels due to optimisation efforts.
The utility reaffirmed its stance against reconnecting illegal water connections in the Phumlamqashi informal settlement, following a disconnection operation on Tuesday, 12 November.
SAPS officers remove a broken traffic light pole placed on the road by Lenasia residents during protests over water cuts. Photo by Gallo Images
This intervention is part of efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) by addressing water losses and improving billing and revenue collection.
To support the affected community, Johannesburg Water has deployed 36 water tankers, with plans to increase this to 45, providing water through stationary and roaming trucks.
The entity continues to engage with local leaders and ward councillors to maintain basic services and remains committed to sustainable water management practices.
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