Water cut leaves elderly residents without supply for five days
The Greek Old Age Home in Orange Grove was left without water for five days after what management says was a billing error, forced staff to carry water by hand to care for vulnerable residents.
The Greek Old Age Home in Orange Grove was left without water for five days after the supply was cut without warning on February 26.
Chairperson Daniela Chrysostomou said officials arrived with a notice in hand and disconnected the water immediately.
She said there was no prior phone call or written warning. According to Chrysostomou, the home does not owe any money. She presented account statements showing a monthly bill of about R29 186, which she says is paid in full.
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The facility houses 35 residents and employs 30 staff members. “That is our average bill because we have many people who need to wash, cook, and drink. We are not in arrears.”
The home operates as a non-profit organisation and relies on donations. Chrysostomou explained that, as a benevolent society, three authorised individuals are required to approve payments, and funding only becomes available later in the month. She said they had even requested a change to their payment date to align with incoming funds.
For five days, staff were forced to fetch water from a JoJo tank. Water was carried from tanks to flush toilets and to clean. Drinking water and water for cooking had to be sourced elsewhere. Staff used disposable plates and cups and installed sanitiser stations to maintain hygiene.
The greatest challenge was caring for frail and incontinent residents.
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“Most of our residents are incontinent. We cannot leave them in filth. We change linen immediately and wash it. For five days, our laundry staff were pouring water into machines by hand and washing by hand to keep our residents healthy.”
She said, by February 1, the facility had exhausted its reserves. A promised water tanker did not arrive.
Chrysostomou said she contacted the ward councillor for assistance and sent emails to Johannesburg Water, but received no acknowledgement at the time.
Water has since been restored, but management says the reason for the disconnection remains unclear. The matter is still being taken up with the council. Johannesburg Water has been contacted for comment. The story will be updated once feedback is received.
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