WaterCAN and DA Call for Postponement of Rand Water’s Festive Season Shutdown

Johannesburg residents brace for significant water disruptions as WaterCAN and the Democratic Alliance (DA) call for accountability and transparency.

Planned Maintenance Sparks Public Outcry

WaterCAN, a civic advocacy group, has strongly urged Rand Water to reconsider the timing of its planned 86-hour maintenance shutdown at the Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes pump stations. The shutdown, scheduled from 13 to 16 December, will affect water supply to significant parts of Johannesburg, including Soweto, Randburg, and Lenasia.

According to Ferrial Adam, executive manager of WaterCAN, while infrastructure maintenance is essential, the timing—coinciding with the festive season—has raised concerns. Adam noted that many residents are still recovering from recent water shortages and protests, making this decision poorly timed.

“If this maintenance was planned, why has there been no consultation or clear communication? Scheduling this during the festive season is unacceptable,” Adam said.

WaterCAN also questioned the lack of transparency around the project. The group has called on Rand Water to disclose details about the private contractors involved and whether the shutdown can be postponed without financial penalties.

The Democratic Alliance’s Johannesburg councillor, Nicole van Dyk, echoed similar concerns, describing the potential two-week recovery period for the Eikenhof system as “unacceptable” during the warmest month of the year.

“Failure to maintain pump stations throughout the year should not cost residents their festive celebrations,” van Dyk stated.

Conflicting reports have further complicated the situation. While Rand Water insists the maintenance is urgent and cannot be delayed, van Dyk revealed that R27 million has already been paid to the contractor, who allegedly refuses to postpone the project.

“Johannesburg Water claims this is an emergency, not planned maintenance, but there’s little clarity,” van Dyk added.

Areas Expected to Be Affected

Johannesburg Water has identified several regions likely to experience poor pressure or no water during the shutdown:

• Eikenhof (86-hour shutdown): Soweto, Randburg/Roodepoort, Lenasia, and parts of Johannesburg Central.
• Zwartkopjes (36-hour shutdown): Crown Gardens, Parktown, Berea, Forest Hill, and Naturena.

Residents, advocacy groups, and local officials have expressed their frustration, demanding that Rand Water prioritize public interest over logistical challenges.

Do you believe Rand Water’s planned shutdown should be postponed to mitigate the impact on Johannesburg households?

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