Goud Rand phase 2 residents turn to a fire hydrant for water
The community is facing an inconsistent water supply, leaving them desperate for months.
Residents of Goud Rand phase 2 are facing an inconsistent water supply, forcing them to resort to getting water from a fire hydrant.
According to Nhlanhla Bembe, the water shortages have been bad since they moved into the newly built complexes in March 2024.
“We only had running water for about three months,” Bembe said.
The Roodepoort Record reported on this matter in November last year, and after the Record’s visit, Bembe said they had running water for two days, but the problem persisted, even after Johannesburg Water’s (JW) communications officer, Nolwazi Dhlamini, said the water was restored.
Also read: 24 days without water
Bembe said they have received no communication from JW regarding the issue, and they’ve been left completely desperate.
“Our hygiene is compromised. Water tanks were supplied, but they are empty, and we hardly see water trucks.”
In desperation, the residents came up with the idea to get water from the fire hydrant.
Another resident, Bafana Hlongwane, said they only get water between 00:00 and 02:00.
“We demand water straight from our taps,” Hlongwane said. “We have to carry buckets to the third floor, and despite numerous calls logged with JW, nothing happens.”
The residents have even threatened to protest, which temporarily resolved the issue, but it soon went back to normal.
According to Hlongwane, they suspect that the issue is not infrastructure-related, given the newness of the complexes.
“We feel like it’s being controlled and has to do with tenders. Why does the fire hydrant have water but our taps do not?” he asked.
The Record sent questions once again to Dhlamini, and a detailed update will be provided once received.
