Johannesburg Water announces 7-hour water outage
Several areas in Johannesburg will experience a 7-hour temporary water supply disruption due to essential maintenance work.
On September 17, Lehae Extension 1 residents will experience a temporary disruption in water supply due to essential maintenance work. For seven hours, the entire suburb will face either low water pressure or no water as Johannesburg Water conducts important inspections.
Inspection of 600mm Steel Pipeline
The disruption is a result of plans to conduct a CCTV inspection of the 600mm steel pipe that supplies water to the area. This internal check will assess the condition of the pipe and help detect any potential issues, ensuring a more reliable water supply in the future. The inspection is part of a broader effort to improve the management and operation of water services across Johannesburg.
The planned maintenance reflects Johannesburg Water’s focus on preventing future breakdowns and ensuring continuous water supply for residents. Although the inconvenience will affect residents in the short term, the long-term benefits of this proactive maintenance are clear. The repairs and inspections will contribute to an improved and more consistent water supply for the suburb.
National efforts to improve water infrastructure
This local project ties into the government’s broader national strategy for water management. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill represents a critical step in addressing the country’s water challenges.
The new legislation aims to unify the management of water resources by creating a central agency responsible for maintaining and expanding South Africa’s water infrastructure. According to Acting Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa, this move is expected to boost investment in water infrastructure maintenance and ensure better water quality.
“Cabinet welcomes the new legislation as a critical step in the reform process to increase investment in water infrastructure,” Ramokgopa stated.
Long-term water security
The new law addresses fragmentation in water management between different national entities, such as the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Trading Entity. By streamlining these functions, the government aims to increase efficiency and secure the water supply for communities across the country.