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DA Calls for Urgent Action as Joburg and Ekurhuleni Water Crisis Worsens
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has raised alarm over the worsening water crisis affecting Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, warning that residents face prolonged supply disruptions.
A system status report from Joburg Water, released on 11 February 2025, indicates dangerously low reservoir levels across multiple areas. Many residents, already struggling with irregular water supply, now risk going without water for extended periods.
Also Read: Johannesburg Faces Severe Water Crisis as Reservoirs Run Dry
Infrastructure Failures Worsen Crisis
The crisis has been intensified by power failures at Rand Water’s Forest Hill and Eikenhof systems, which have disrupted pumping operations. This has resulted in widespread water outages and severely reduced pressure in several parts of the two metros.
“The ongoing blame game between Rand Water, Eskom, and City Power must stop,” said Nico de Jager, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development. “Residents need decisive action and effective contingency planning.”
De Jager outlined the DA’s proposed solutions to address the crisis:
- Establishing independent power suppliers at key pump stations using solar and battery systems.
- Upgrading ageing infrastructure with smart pressure management technology.
- Creating a rapid-response maintenance unit to handle water-related emergencies efficiently.
Also Read: SAHRC Flags Four Provinces for Slow Action on Water Crisis
Call for Government Intervention
The DA has written to Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, requesting the inclusion of Gauteng municipalities in the national infrastructure support programme. The party is urging that municipalities with clean financial audits be prioritized for funding to tackle urgent water infrastructure challenges.
Since November 2024, Joburg Water has been implementing supply reductions, yet the situation continues to deteriorate. The affected areas include the Commando, Central and Soweto, and Deep South systems, leaving households and businesses struggling with unreliable water supply.
The DA is calling on the Gauteng Provincial Government to declare the crisis an emergency and take immediate action.
“This is more than just a short-term crisis. We need a complete overhaul of how water infrastructure is managed and maintained,” De Jager added.
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Sourced: DA Gauteng
