The rehabilitation of the Hursthill 2 reservoir, a key project intended to improve water reliability across the Commando system, has been delayed indefinitely after the city allegedly failed to pay contractors, according to Ward 87 councillor Kyle Jacobs.

Jacobs said the reservoir rehabilitation was originally scheduled for completion on April 9, before being pushed back to July 31 and later September 29. He said the project has now been delayed indefinitely and may only be completed during 2027 because of persistent non-payment to contractors.

Read more: Water woes deepen as maintenance recovery delays frustrate Ward 87 communities

Jacobs said the Hursthill 2 reservoir upgrade is a critical component of efforts to improve water supply to suburbs served by the Commando system, including Emmarentia, Victory Park, Melville, Brixton, Westbury, Coronationville, City Deep, and surrounding areas. He added that delays to the project, together with setbacks to a new bulk pipeline connecting the Commando system to Rand Water’s Eikenhof infrastructure, have prolonged recovery efforts and left residents vulnerable to recurring water outages.

Jacobs said residents had endured worsening water interruptions for years and deserved answers on when the Hursthill 2 reservoir project would be completed. He added that he would continue pressing the city to prioritise the rehabilitation project and ensure residents receive the reliable water supply they have been promised.

Also read: Rand Water set for winter water supply interruptions due to critical Eskom maintenance

The publication contacted Johannesburg Water for comment on July 3 on the allegations, and followed up on July 7–9. No comment was forthcoming by the time of publication. Their response will be updated once it’s received.

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