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Rising Vandalism Threatens Johannesburg’s Water Supply and Safety
Rampant theft and destruction of critical water infrastructure continue to plague Johannesburg Water, severely disrupting its ability to provide essential services to homes and businesses. The ongoing crisis has not only delayed water supply and sanitation operations but has also endangered lives.
Pipes, pumps, and manhole covers are regularly stolen or damaged, with missing components often leading to fatal accidents and escalating maintenance costs. Officials warn that unless urgent measures are taken, the impact on communities could worsen.
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Rising costs and safety concerns
Mzakhe Mtshweni, general manager of operations at Johannesburg Water (JW), said the vandalism and theft of infrastructure had become a major obstacle to service delivery. “These acts pose a serious risk to public safety,” he said. “We’ve already seen lives lost due to open manholes. This kind of senseless destruction affects livelihoods and communities.”
Aside from theft, irresponsible public behaviour adds to the burden. Residents often misuse the system by dumping foreign objects into sewers, forcing JW to spend an average of R20,000 a day using jetting machines to clear blockages.
Security upgrades and smart technology
To counter the rising threat, JW is ramping up security in areas identified as high risk. These measures include improved lighting, real and dummy CCTV installations, and partnerships with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) for faster response times.
The utility also plans to roll out smart manhole covers equipped with sensors that detect tampering. These covers will be monitored around the clock, enabling the city to react quickly to prevent theft or make urgent repairs.
Call for community action and awareness
Mtshweni emphasized the need for greater social awareness and public cooperation. “Lasting change requires collective responsibility. We’re doing our part, but we need communities to help protect the infrastructure that serves them,” he said.
By combining smarter technology, security reinforcements, and active community involvement, Johannesburg Water aims to restore stable, safe, and sustainable service delivery across the metro.
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Sourced:IOL
Picture: Pixabay
