Johannesburg Braces for 86-Hour Water Cuts Amid Essential Maintenance

Johannesburg residents are preparing for widespread water cuts this long weekend, as Rand Water undertakes critical maintenance lasting 86 hours. Areas including Soweto, Randburg, Roodepoort, and parts of Johannesburg central will experience disruptions starting tomorrow at 7 AM.

The affected areas are serviced by the Eikenhof Pump Station, which supplies water to approximately 60% of Johannesburg.

Areas Facing Water Disruptions

Communities likely to experience low to no water pressure include:

• Soweto
• Randburg
• Roodepoort
• Brixton
• Crosby
• Hursthill
• Lenasia
• Parktown
• Berea
• Orlando East
• Crown Gardens
• Naturena

Water tankers will be deployed to provide alternative supplies in severely affected areas.

Why December?

According to Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo, December is an optimal time for maintenance as industries close and many residents leave for holiday destinations, reducing water demand.

“This timing allows for quicker system recovery once the maintenance is completed,” Maroo explained.

However, this decision has sparked criticism. Advocacy groups like WaterCAN argue that communities are already strained by recent water shortages.

“Residents of Johannesburg deserve a break from these repeated disruptions,” said Ferrial Adam, executive manager of WaterCAN.

Public Concerns and Health Risks

Beyond inconvenience, experts warn that prolonged water outages pose serious risks:

• Hygiene Concerns: Water shortages during festive gatherings could increase the risk of disease spread due to poor hygiene.
• Food Safety: Preparing meals without adequate water affects the ability to wash ingredients and cook safely.
• Public Health: Tarryn Johnston, founder of Hennops River Revival, highlighted the potential for deteriorating hygiene during water cuts.

A History of Extended Outages

During past maintenance, some areas were left without water for up to 10 days, raising fears that current outages could stretch into the festive season.

“If reservoirs run dry during this shutdown, some areas could face water shortages over Christmas,” warned Adam.

The Bigger Picture: Gauteng’s Water Crisis

The water crisis is exacerbated by declining levels in the Vaal Dam, a key water source for Gauteng.

• Current capacity: 26.5% (down from 67.7% in 2023).
• Weekly decline: 2–3 percentage points.

This consistent drop reflects broader challenges in managing South Africa’s water resources amid rising demand and climate impacts.

Residents are urged to:

• Stockpile water ahead of the shutdown.
• Use water sparingly during the maintenance period.
• Stay informed via official Rand Water updates.

As Johannesburg navigates these water challenges, collaboration between government, utilities, and residents remains essential to ensure sustainable solutions.

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