Johannesburg Water has blamed ageing infrastructure, financial constraints and social factors for recurring supply interruptions, after residents’ frustrations boiled over in Melville on October 28.

“Access to water is essential to everyday life, and prolonged or recurring interruptions place a significant burden on households, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and other community services,” Johannesburg Water said.

The entity added that residents’ protests were an expression of frustration and concern, and that it did not take these concerns lightly.

Read more: Mayfair, Crosby residents push back after days without water

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the entity faced several challenges, including a lack of financial and human resources, ageing infrastructure and an infrastructure renewal backlog caused by underfunding.

She said theft and vandalism of water infrastructure also contributed to pipe bursts and water meter leakages.

Population growth and the influx of people into the city had also placed pressure on the system, contributing to illegal housing and illegal water connections.

“These prepaid water meters are part of the entity’s strategy for revenue collection. Theft and vandalism of infrastructure play a huge role in hampering reliable and uninterrupted water supply to residents and businesses. Johannesburg Water works together with the city to enforce by-laws to remedy these issues,” she said.

The revenue generated from water services is used to support the operation, maintenance, refurbishment and expansion of the city’s water infrastructure, but Shabalala said non-payment and illegal connections affected its revenue collection efforts.

Electricity supply interruptions were another contributing factor, as they affected the pumping of water to reservoirs and towers. She said these challenges were not unique to Johannesburg, but were national issues requiring co-operation between municipalities and communities.

Also read: Leaking Melville water valve wastes over 50 000 litres monthly for six years

Johannesburg Water urged residents to help protect infrastructure, pay for water, remain vigilant and report the misuse of water infrastructure.
Shabalala said it had short-, medium- and long-term plans to address supply challenges, including its water conservation and water demand management strategy and its broader turnaround strategy.

She said the entity also provided alternative water supplies to residential customers and pre-identified municipal and public health facilities, including hospitals, schools and old-age homes, during ongoing or prolonged interruptions.

However, this assistance is arranged on a case-by-case basis when Johannesburg Water is made aware of a supply challenge, with co-ordination through ward councillors.

Businesses and private entities are expected to make their own arrangements for alternative water supply.

Shabalala said Johannesburg Water empathised with affected residents and recognised the importance of addressing the challenges affecting reliable water supply across the city.

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