For over three months, Sunninghill pensioner Daniel Oganah has been left without water, after Johannesburg Water (JW) removed his meter, and has since failed to provide further feedback on the matter.

Fourways Review has also been sending inquiries that are met with: “Inquiry received and forwarded to the relevant department,” from Nolwazi Dhlamini, JW spokesperson.

Oganah, 72, has been without water since early August, after discovering that the water meter at his Edison Crescent home had been removed. The shut-off followed a billing dispute that dates back to September 2024, when JW replaced his old meter with a smart meter that he says he never requested.

Read more: Sunninghill pensioner battles water meter nightmare

After the installation, Oganah says he did not receive any municipal water bills for several months. Despite this, he was issued a pre-termination notice in December 2024.

The situation escalated when his taps suddenly ran dry. Shortly thereafter, he received a notice, dated August 11, warning of a water supply interruption, even though the meter had already been removed by that stage.

“I have no meter and no water. At my age, this is extremely stressful, and it is affecting my health.” He is now dependent on neighbours and bottled water for his daily needs.

JW previously confirmed that a disconnection had been carried out at the property, under instruction from the City of Johannesburg due to an outstanding account.

Also read: UPDATE: Sunninghill pensioner still without water as Joburg Water remains silent

The utility also indicated that the matter would be investigated, but no further update has been provided since then. “I have not heard anything further,” Organah said.

“No one has come back to explain what is going on, or when my water will be restored.” With no clear outcome in sight, the pensioner says he feels abandoned in a situation that has left him without a basic service.

The latest response from Dhlamini at JW to the Fourways Review was: “Apologies for the delayed response. I am liaising with the senior manager of the metering unit, and she will assist. As soon as I get a response from her, I will let you know.” We received this on December 2, in answer to a follow-up inquiry sent on November 27.

Another follow-up was sent on December 4, and more information will be provided once it becomes available.

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