Nomazulu Moyo in Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Water supply disruptions in Johannesburg have caused growing frustrations among residents and businesses, with increased interruptions severely impacting daily life and economic activities.
And in response to the ongoing crisis, a high-level meeting was held on Sunday bringing together key stakeholders to address the city’s water challenges.
The meeting, convened by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, included Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, Rand Water leadership, and other provincial and municipal officials. The discussions aimed to find solutions to the water disruptions, which have become a persistent issue for Johannesburg’s residents.
Causes of the crisis
At the core of the water supply interruptions is a mismatch between demand and supply. Rand Water, which provides treated water to Johannesburg, sources its water from the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). The IVRS includes several major dams, including the Vaal Dam, which is currently at a concerning 33% of its capacity. However, according to Rand Water, the water supply is being constrained by several factors.
“The main underlying cause of the disruptions is that demand for water is now approaching or occasionally exceeding the supply available to us,” said a Rand Water spokesperson. “We are already operating at full capacity, and without new sources of water, we cannot provide more to the city.”
One of the key contributors to this issue is the limited amount of raw water that can be extracted from the IVRS. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has set a cap on the volume of water Rand Water can extract annually — currently 1.8 billion cubic metres. This restriction will persist until the completion of the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which is expected to be completed in 2028 and will provide additional water into the system.
Immediate actions underway
Several measures have been put in place to address the current water crisis. Johannesburg Water, which manages the city’s distribution network, has announced a plan to throttle water supply during the night from 9pm to 4am, starting 14 November. This temporary measure aims to allow reservoirs to recover overnight and ease pressure on the system. The City is also ramping up its efforts to fix leaks and repair broken pipes, which have been identified as a major cause of water loss.
“Johannesburg has a very high rate of water losses — around 35%, compared to the international standard of 15%,” said Executive Mayor Dada Morero. “Reducing these losses will help us manage the current crisis and make our system more resilient.”
To combat this, Johannesburg Water is increasing the number of teams on duty to repair leaks and burst pipes. Additionally, they are implementing advanced pressure management systems and working to reduce illegal connections, especially in informal settlements, which are often a significant source of water wastage.
Long-term solutions and public awareness
Looking to the future, the provincial and national governments are working together on several long-term solutions, including upgrading water treatment plants and expanding reservoir capacity. The second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which will increase water flow into the IVRS, is expected to help alleviate some of the pressure on Johannesburg’s water supply once completed in 2028.
More from Africa News 24
Cybersecurity Summit ends on high note in Maseru
However, authorities have also emphasised the importance of water conservation in the face of limited resources. The 2023 No Drop report highlighted that the average water consumption in Gauteng is 279 litres per person per day, significantly above the global average of 173 litres. This excessive consumption, in a water-scarce country, is unsustainable in the long term.
“We need to change the way we use water. We cannot continue to waste this precious resource,” said Premier Panyaza Lesufi. “We are working with local businesses, civil society, and experts to launch a large-scale campaign to promote water conservation across the province.”
The Department of Water and Sanitation, in partnership with Rand Water and local governments, has set up a new platform called the “Platform for a Water-Secure Gauteng,” which will spearhead this public awareness campaign. A new dashboard on the DWS website will provide residents with real-time updates on the status of water supply in the province.
Commitment to accountability and future planning
The meeting also focused on improving the management and accountability of water supply in Johannesburg. The City Council recently approved a turnaround strategy for Johannesburg Water, which includes measures to ring-fence water revenues and ensure that funds are directed solely to maintaining and improving the water supply system.
“We are committed to improving Johannesburg Water’s ability to manage the city’s water needs effectively and to ensure that resources are used efficiently,” said Morero.
The urgency of the situation was reflected in the decision to hold weekly meetings to monitor progress and ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable. Minister Majodina stated, “We are committed to resolving this crisis with urgency, and the government is prepared to continue working together to ensure the stability of water supply for all residents.”
The joint efforts by local and national authorities aim not only to address immediate challenges but also to create a sustainable water management system that can meet Johannesburg’s future demands.
