For residents in parts of Mayfair, Crosby and surrounding areas, turning on the tap has become a game of chance, with water flowing in some streets while others remain dry for six days or more.

As some households finally see water returning this morning, frustration is spilling onto the streets, with residents demanding an end to the uncertainty and a reliable supply.

Ward 58 councillor Ricky Nair said some streets in his ward had experienced repeated interruptions, with supply returning briefly before disappearing again.

Read more: Johannesburg Water reveals chain of failures behind Melville’s weeks-long water supply crisis

He said the unpredictable timing of supply had made it difficult for residents to plan their days, particularly those who leave home early for work or have children attending school.

Nair said residents could cope with temporary interruptions, but going several days without water had become increasingly difficult.

“You’ll do it for a day or two, but I think anything over a day is unacceptable,” he said.

Protest action and summer planning

The councillor also raised concerns about the city’s preparedness for water shortages as summer approaches, warning that water conservation and planning needed greater attention.

Nair argued that water conservation should start with education, including teaching children the importance of protecting the country’s limited water resources.

Also read: Metro Matters: Johannesburg’s sewage crisis reaches breaking point

Nair said the demonstration reflected the hardship experienced by residents who had gone several days without supply.

“I must say this is the culmination of not having water. Not having water for three, four, five days. So this is exactly what’s been expressed here,” he said.

He hoped the march would bring the concerns of affected communities into sharper focus.

He warned that continued interruptions could lead to more residents joining future protests if a consistent supply was not secured.

For households still waiting for water, the immediate concern remains when their taps will run again — and whether the supply will last.

The message from the community is clear: ‘Our communities. Our water. Our voice.’

The publication contacted Johannesburg Water for comment on the protest and sought a response regarding the concerns raised by the protesters. However, the utility’s response had not been received at the time of publication.

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