Joburg Water takes steps against illegal water connections

Johannesburg Water (JW) announced the expansion of its crackdown on illegal water connections in informal settlements as part of its ongoing Turnaround and Water Conservation Management strategies.

The initiative aims to address significant water losses and improve service delivery in these underserved areas.

JW has acknowledged that informal settlements have been among the worst affected by illegal connections, which lead to substantial water wastage.

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In response, JW will intensify its mass disconnection programme across the city, focusing particularly on these communities.

While the disconnection initiative aims to curb these illegal activities, JW has assured residents that essential water services will continue uninterrupted, with water tankers regularly deployed to provide access to clean water.

JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said illegal connections are a major contributor to physical water losses in informal settlements, and they must take firm action to address this issue.

“However, we assure residents that we are committed to providing an alternative water supply through tankers and encourage them to take care of the resources provided to maintain services for the entire community.”

As part of its efforts, JW has reported a significant improvement in water supply levels in areas such as the Deep South region (Ennerdale, Lenasia, Orange Farm, and Lawley), where reservoir capacity has nearly doubled since the start of the disconnection programme.

This shift is expected to optimise fair water distribution in the region, benefiting the local community.

About 36 000 households in informal settlements in the Deep South continue to receive water from tankers daily.

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Additionally, JW implemented a chemical toilet programme to support sanitation needs in these areas.

Shabalala emphasised that JW will continue to do regular water usage assessments and work with the City of Johannesburg to meet the growing demand in informal settlements.

In the event of disruptions to water services or a lack of water tankers, residents are urged to contact their ward councillors or the nearest JW depot.

“Our efforts will focus on disconnections and improving service delivery to ensure access to water is equitable and sustainable,” Shabalala added.

“We are committed to ensuring that Johannesburg’s communities have the water they need, and we urge everyone to work with us to keep the water supply sustainable.”

Community engagement

Informal settlement residents who experience disruptions or notice illegal water connections are urged to report them to their ward councillors or JW’s local depots.