Melville residents rally together to create their own water supply
As water issues continue to impact Melville, residents have united to fund JoJo tanks at their satellite station, providing a much-needed back-up water supply.
As water issues continue to plague areas in Johannesburg, the Melville community has banded together in a time where water has become scarce, and implemented a creative solution spearheaded by Danny Nunes, of the Melville Security Initiative (MSI) and CREASS Community Services.
In response to ongoing water shortages, which began in December, the community has successfully crowdfunded for the installation of four JoJo tanks at their satellite station, ensuring access to water for all residents.
Read more: Water crisis deepens further in Johannesburg
With support from local councillor Kyle Jacobs, who has co-ordinated daily visits from Johannesburg Water (JW) trucks, the newly installed tanks, and mini reservoirs, are now filled and ready for use.
“Residents are welcome to come and fill their containers as needed, providing a much-needed resource in a time of crisis.”
Nunes expressed gratitude for the community’s collaborative efforts, stating: “While we may not have water flowing through the pipes, this initiative demonstrates how residents can take matters into their own hands. The Melville Residents Association (MRA) played a key role in this project, but it was the residents themselves who truly made it happen.”
Also read: Pay your water bills, or risk being disconnected
The MRA contributed financially to the initiative, while the majority of funding came from the community members. Nunes also thanked Beagle Watch for collecting the first tank in a timely manner.
Approximately 50 to 60 residents rallied together, donating amounts ranging from R50 to R2 000 to support the initiative.
He highlighted the community spirit, saying: “People came in numbers to assist, and we now have a reliable backup water supply thanks to their generosity.”
In addition to financial contributions, a group of dedicated volunteers, and Johannesburg Tourism monitors who are deployed in the area, have stepped up to manage the water station, ensuring that residents have continuous access to this vital resource.
“The collaboration between residents and local leaders has been remarkable,” Nunes added. “We may not have traditional access to piped water, but our management of this backup system has proven to be quite effective.”
The Melville community continues to navigate the challenges of water shortages. With ongoing support and dedication, the residents of Melville are demonstrating that they can adapt and thrive, even in the face of adversity.
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