Merafong water crisis deepens as 40% restriction leaves residents desperate
Public services and families struggle amid health concerns and unreliable water trucks.
Residents across the Merafong City Local Municipality are reeling from severe water cuts, with taps running dry in towns like Fochville, Carletonville, Kokosi, Khutsong, and Welverdiend. The crisis escalated after Rand Water slashed Merafong’s bulk supply by 40%, citing a massive R1.41 billion debt owed by the municipality.
The Johannesburg High Court had ordered Merafong to submit written representations to Rand Water by July 30, following a hearing on June 12, but the deadline was missed. The consequences have been dire: reservoirs are nearly empty, and water trucks are failing to reach many affected areas.
Public institutions have not been spared. Carletonville Hospital, the Carletonville Police Station, and multiple old age homes and schools are frequently left without water. In some communities, residents have resorted to collecting water from unsafe sources like manholes. “At least we can flush toilets and wash some clothes,” said Kokosi resident Gloria Gunduza, despite health risks.
The health impact is growing, especially among children. “Everyone is thirsty, and children have developed rashes,” said local parent Thembinkosi Dukanyezi.
In Carletonville, some families on Reinecke Street went without water for 10 consecutive days leading up to September 5. A brief intervention by a local councillor restored supply, but it was shut off again hours later. “We have a tank, but many families don’t,” said resident Johan O’Neil.
Amid the crisis, community efforts have stepped in. Residents and organisations have donated bottled water to facilities like the SAVF Retirement Village in Fochville, but these are only temporary solutions.
Municipal manager Dumisani Mabuza confirmed the current restriction and said the city is “engaging with Rand Water,” but affected residents and community leaders say that’s not enough. “This is just unacceptable,” said Joseph Monyakhe, calling for immediate and effective intervention.
As the crisis deepens, residents are demanding transparency, a resolution to the municipal debt crisis, and urgent action to restore basic water services in Merafong.
