Empty taps as Joburg Water cuts off illegal connections
JOBURG – Residents are advised to report any burst water pipes, water outages, faulty meters or blocked sewers to Joburg Water as soon as possible.
Joburg Water advises the public to be water wise as they continue cutting hundreds of metres of illegally connected water pipes.
With Level 1 water restrictions still in full swing for the residents of the City of Johannesburg, the City has reminded the public to adhere to reduced levels of water usage. The public has also been urged to refrain from illegal water connections and reinforced their commitment to stop such across Johannesburg.
Residents between Lenasia South and the Waterworks informal settlement near Protea Glen experienced an intense multifaceted operation by Joburg Water, the police and Metro police when they disconnected illegally connected water pipes. According to Joburg Water, the illegal connections to the water supply mainline has hampered their ability to provide sustainable services in Lenasia South.
Spokesperson for Joburg Water Isaac Dhludhlu explained, “Illegal connections have compromised water supply in this area and has resulted in the water supply having been shut down between 9am and 4pm daily to maintain sufficient reservoir capacity.”
Dhludhlu stated that water tanks were supplied to Waterworks since disconnections were carried out and would be refilled daily to ensure people have access to the basic need. According to Joburg Water, the Lenasia water supply system comprises of a 700mm-diameter main line, which is connected to the Rand Water pipeline.
This feeds three reservoirs in Lenasia South, including the Cosmos reservoir, Hospital Hill reservoir and High-Level reservoir. Dhludhlu added that water demand from the Hospital Hill and High-Level reservoirs exceeds supply because of illegal water connections by informal settlements in the area.
Dhludhlu confirmed that a new 15-millilitre reservoir is currently being built and will complement water supply to the Lenasia High-Level reservoir and ease challenges created by illegal connections. The construction of the reservoir is expected to be completed in 2021 but Joburg Water technicians across the City are continuing with the maintenance of water valves and burst water pipes, repairing leaks.
Residents are advised to report any burst water pipes, water outages, faulty meters or blocked sewers via their various platforms:
• Twitter: @JHBWater
• Facebook: Johannesburg Water
• Website: www. johannesburgwater.co.za
• 24-hour hotline: 0860 562 874
• SMS line: 076 333 5052
• Email: customer@jwater.co.za
