Johannesburg Water hopeful to restore services to THESE areas

Johannesburg Water has updated residents and businesses on the ongoing efforts to restore water supply to Linden and Blairgowrie.

While addressing residents’ concerns, the utility pointed out that a closed valve at a reservoir supplying water to the affected areas was not the only reason for the prolonged outages.

During a briefing on Friday, the utility provided updates on efforts to improve water supply, particularly in the affected areas where reservoirs are struggling to recover.

A CLOSED WATER VALVE

Despite the initial setbacks, Johannesburg Water says there has been significant progress since discovering the closed valve earlier in the week.

“There are parts of Blairgowrie that are still having poor pressure due to air locks,” Johannesburg Water networks senior manager Logan Munsamy said.

“We are expecting that to improve today.”

Munsamy assured residents that the system is expected to fully recover over the weekend in the affected areas.

RESIDENTS PROTEST AGAINST JOHANNESBURG WATER

Earlier this week, frustrated Blairgowrie residents protested the ongoing water shortages in the area, demanding answers from Johannesburg Water and City Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda.

Residents took to the streets on Tuesday afternoon, picketing against the lack of water coming out of their taps.

Protesters gathered at the corner of Conrad Drive and Hillcrest Avenue in Blairgowrie.

Councillor Lucinda Harman of Ward 102 described the situation as a catastrophic crisis and a violation of human rights.

“I’m very worried about the healthcare system and old-age homes,” Harman told The Citizen.

“What are we going to do about people who are bedridden? What are we doing about schools? How are they going to flush the toilet?”

She emphasised the difficulty families and residents face in their day-to-day lives without an adequate water supply,

“I know a lot of people who haven’t been going to see businesses in the area because there is no water,” Harman added.