Ghost Town residents plagued by inconsistent water supply

Residents of Ghost Town flats are at their wits’ end over the inconsistent water supply that’s plagued their community for almost 10 years.

According to Byron Theron, they have to wake up early in the mornings to collect water, but during the day, the pressure is low to non-existent.

Theron says they have no water tanks or water trucks that are providing relief to this situation.

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He adds that the whole block of flats is affected (especially families that are living upstairs), and they are the only ones in the area who are struggling.

“We have reached out to Johannesburg Water (JW) repeatedly, but our cries have fallen on deaf ears, and we are always told a different story.”

“It’s frustrating because simple chores like laundry have become monumental tasks, and it is taking our dignity,” he adds.

Another resident, Carol Demas, said the situation has taken a toll on daily life, and they always have to store water.
“We’ve had contractors from JW pitch up, but nothing ever gets done.”

“Instead, they come, dig holes, leave them unattended, and our children fall into them,” she says, referring to a recent incident where a child fell into a hole believed to have been dug by JW contractors.

JW responded to the crisis, with spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala saying they are aware of the water issue currently plaguing the flats.

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She says the water demand in the area is very high, and the supply pipeline, which is a 75mm pipe, will have to be augmented as part of the entity’s pipe replacement programme.

“JW has an ongoing pipe replacement programme, which is designed to ensure a continued reduction of non-revenue water, pipe bursts, and sewer blockages throughout the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and to sustain a good level of service to CoJ’s customers.

“The water pipe replacement projects specifically will contribute to the reduction of water pipe bursts, non-revenue water, and water service interruptions.

“This will also address the growing population in Johannesburg so that the city’s infrastructure can keep up with the growing population.

“These pipe replacement projects are taking place throughout the city, including Region C,” she said.