WATCH: City of Johannesburg battles to solve water supply woes
Following major disruptions caused by power failures and high demand, the City's water supply has dramatically improved, with reservoirs recovering and services gradually stabilising.
In an urgent briefing on February 14, CoJ Mayor Dada Morero met with Joburg Water personnel, media and councillors at Eikenhof reservoir to assess progress on water solutions.
He promised the residents of Johannesburg that in seven days, the system will be fully restored to supply water.
This after Joburg Water systems faced network challenges due to high demand exceeding capacity, compounded by a total power failure at Emfuleni’s substation.
This affected pumping from Rand Water’s Forest Hill and Eikenhof systems.
@southern.courier Johannesburg Water Senior Manager for Networks, Nico Singh comments on water issues.
Morero explained that the City Power plant supplying electricity to the Eikenhof pumping station collapsed.
“City Power took about 88 hours to restore power. They managed to do so on February 10, but by then, Rand Water was already struggling and operating at only 50% capacity,” he said.
The mayor added that they were now pumping water from Rand Water into Johannesburg Water’s reservoir system.
“We believe it will take about seven days for the water supply to be fully restored, as around 60% of Johannesburg is without water.”
Morero assured residents that the city is providing water tankers to the affected areas.
“We have deployed up to 53 water tanks and have requested Joburg Water to increase the supply, as the current provision is not enough for the affected areas,” he said.
@southern.courier The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg has assured residents that the water supply in Johannesburg South and surrounding areas will be fully restored within the next seven days. The announcement comes amid ongoing disruptions that have left many communities without water. Mayor Dada Morero explained that the City Power plant supplying electricity to the Eikenhof Pumping Station collapsed. “City Power took about 88 hours to restore power. They managed to do so on Monday, but by then, Rand Water was already struggling and operating at only 50% capacity,” he said.
Morero apologised for the situation, acknowledging the difficulties residents are facing.
“We understand that living without water is extremely difficult, and we sincerely apologise for the challenges this has caused.”
Ward 56 Clr Michael Crichton said the disruption began with a power failure in the Vereeniging area, which affected reservoirs such as Glenvista and the Forest Hill water tower.
@southern.courier Ward 56 Councillor Michael Crichton said the disruption began with a power failure in the Vereeniging area, which affected reservoirs such as Glenvista and the Forest Hill Water Tower. “Additionally, we are experiencing power outages at the South Hills Water Tower, which is linked to the Palmiet water system. The Kliprivier reservoir is currently very low, and I am concerned that some areas may be overlooked,” Crichton added.
“We are experiencing power outages at the South Hills water tower, which is linked to the Palmiet water system.
“The Kliprivier reservoir is very low, and I am concerned that they are focusing on one specific system that is down, and some areas may be overlooked,” Crichton added.
Update – February 20
Ward 55 Clr Rashieda Landis confirmed that they have water and the problem was sorted.
Similarly, Ward 124 Clr Mongameli Mnyameni said although the water issue has been resolved, in Kenilworth, especially Kennedy Street and at Glenesk, there is low pressure.
In a statement issued by the office of the executive mayor, the following was said: “The executive mayor has today received reports from Joburg Water that the system has improved dramatically and has fully recovered, following the oversight Morero undertook in Berea and Eikenhof reservoirs four days ago.
“To this end, Morero wishes to confirm that the City of Joburg will not be deterred in its responsibility to resolve the water supply challenges.”
