Petition grows amidst water outage concerns in Hursthill 1 and 2 and Alexandra
As Johannesburg grapples with severe water outages, the DA are calling for urgent action and accountability. With nearly 3 000 signatures on their petition, they aim to reach 20 000 supporters. Discover how you can get involved and demand change for your community.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking a strong stance against the ongoing water outages affecting residents from Hursthill 1 and 2, as well as the Alexandra reservoirs.
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker has highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that a petition has garnered 2 954 signatures, with a goal of reaching 20 000 supporters to amplify their call for action.
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The DA’s recent motion, aimed at addressing these water disruptions, was dismissed by the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, who stated that the proposals were a, “waste of council time.”
In response, Jonker emphasised that advocating for the residents’ interests is far from a waste, and they will continue to push for necessary changes.
The DA has outlined several urgent requests from residents, including:
• Immediate Action: A reconsideration of the rejected motion, including an internal audit of water meters and valves.
• Transparent Communication: Clear updates from mayor Dada Morero and Sekwaila regarding the steps being taken to resolve the water crisis.
• Accountability: Holding Morero, Sekwaila, and all stakeholders accountable for the management of water resources in Johannesburg.
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Jonker stated, “residents deserve water in their taps. We will not stop until their basic needs are met.”
Environmental expert Dr Ferrial Adam, from WaterCAN, noted that while communication has improved, residents still require more detailed information, especially regarding water throttling schedules and the deployment of water tanks.
She said that despite Johannesburg Water’s efforts to improve communication over the past year, including the establishment of WhatsApp groups, concerns remain regarding the quality and clarity of the information shared.
“Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity about when and where they can access water during outages. Jonker has called for an urgent meeting with Johannesburg Water officials to address these issues and ensure accountability.”
As the situation continues to evolve, the DA remains committed to advocating for the residents of Johannesburg. They are determined to push for better communication and accountability from Johannesburg Water, ensuring that residents are kept informed and that their basic needs are met.
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