Johannesburg High Court closed due to water shortage

The Johannesburg High Court has been temporarily closed due to a water shortage.

This comes as the city is facing a severe water crisis, with 28 out of 61 reservoirs and towers at critically low levels or completely without water affecting several areas.

More than 350 areas are affected by the water crisis.

Johannesburg Water on Wednesday said its systems are currently experiencing significant challenges due to demand exceeding available capacity which has affected several areas including the Joburg CBD.

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Johannesburg High Court closure

The Office of the Chief Justice Madisa Maya on Thursday warned the public of the temporary closure.

“Members of the public, court users and legal practitioners are advised that the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg, will temporarily close at 11am on Thursday, 13 February 2025, due to the ongoing water shortage affecting the greater Johannesburg area.

“Affected parties will be contacted regarding alternative arrangements for all matters scheduled on the court roll for the day,” the Judiciary said.

Water crisis

Joburg Water said its systems was further compounded by an Emfuleni power failure that has disrupted pumping from Rand Water’s Forest Hill and Eikenhof systems.

“As a result, systems are under strain, leading to lower reservoir and tower levels. This may cause reduced water pressure or, in some areas, a complete loss of supply,” Joburg Water stated in its latest update.

Several reservoirs, including the Zondi Reservoir, Jabulani Tower, and Hursthill 1 Reservoir, are currently on bypass.

Joburg Water has reminded residents that the city remains under Level 1 water restrictions. The regional water utility has implemented additional water supply reductions since 8 November 2024.

Additional reporting by Enkosi Selane

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