Meeting held to find solutions for Johannesburg’s water crisis

Responding to the persistent water crisis in Johannesburg, city leaders convened a crucial meeting on 18 March.

To unveil a series of proposed solutions aimed at mitigating the crisis and ensuring a sustainable water supply for residents.

Led by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, alongside Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, the gathering brought together key stakeholders to chart a path forward.

MEETING UNVEILS SOLUTIONS FOR JOHANNESBURG’S WATER CRISIS

The proposed solutions discussed in the meeting included a range of actions aimed at addressing Johannesburg’s water crisis:

• Infrastructure projects: Plans include refurbishing, upgrading, and constructing new storage reservoirs and pump stations to enhance water supply capacity.
• Public awareness campaigns: There was agreement on the importance of launching comprehensive public awareness campaigns. To educate residents on the significance of water conservation and efficient water use.
• Water conservation measures: The proposed initiatives include reducing water demand through technical interventions like repairing leaking infrastructure, replacing old water pipes and meters, and removing wasteful devices.
• Enforcement of by-laws: The city emphasised the need for strict enforcement of by-laws to tackle illegal connections. Also other practices contributing to water losses.

Despite facing an estimated infrastructure deficit of R27 billion, the city leadership demonstrated resolve in optimising current budgets and exploring avenues for private sector partnerships for the Johannesburg’s water crisis.

MCHUNU PRAISES THE ENTITY’S EFFORTS

Minister Mchunu acknowledged efforts by Johannesburg Water to address infrastructure backlogs and emphasised the importance of swift responses to infrastructure issues.

“We are pleased that the system has started to pick up, but still generally low. It is evident that there is hard work happening on the ground, focusing on areas that are hard hit. There are areas that have been severely affected for several days, but given the pace, there is going to be stability.

“We sympathise with residents as the intermittent water supply continues, but we want to assure them that the City has committed to attending to various hotspots characterised by water shortages for a number of days,” said Minister Mchunu.

Additionally, Mayor Gwamanda expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, in tacking Johannesburg’s water crisis.

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