Motion to address water outages denied by council

Residents of Johannesburg are expressing deep frustration and disappointment following the council’s recent decision to reject a motion aimed at addressing ongoing water outages affecting their communities.

The motion, proposed by councillor Nicolene Jonker of Ward 88 and supported by councillor Genevieve Sherman, sought to initiate a comprehensive internal audit of water meters and valves in areas impacted by water shedding from the Hursthill 1, 2, and Alexandra reservoirs.

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“This audit was deemed essential for identifying malfunctioning equipment, incorrect billing practices, and unauthorized access to water valves,” they said.

Jonker emphasised the importance of the motion, stating that it was designed to ensure residents receive the reliable water service they are entitled to under Section 27.1(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

However, the motion was met with opposition from the ANC, EFF, ActionSA, and PA, who voted against it, leaving many residents grappling with the ongoing water crisis without a viable solution.

Also read: Emmarentia residents unite to tackle ongoing water crisis

The rejection of the motion has left residents feeling neglected and unheard. Somayya Motala, a resident of Emmarentia, voiced her dismay, saying, “it’s a terrible feeling to know that you are denied a basic human right that you, as a resident, are paying for.”

She further stated that many residents have resorted to installing boreholes and JoJo tanks at significant personal expense, a luxury that most cannot afford.

“We are left to fend for ourselves while the council ignores our plight,” she added.

Ferrial Adam from WaterCAN expressed her concern over the council’s decision, highlighting the troubling lack of awareness from MMC Jack Sekwaila, who mistakenly referred to Randburg instead of the relevant reservoirs. “As the MMC, it is his duty to stay informed about the city’s pressing issues,” Adam stated.

She criticized the council for treating water as a political pawn rather than a fundamental necessity, urging for a united effort to find lasting solutions to the water crisis. The residents’ voices are growing louder in their demand for accountability and action.

In response to the council’s dismissal of their concerns, they are launching a petition for an urgent inquiry into the water supply challenges at the Hursthill 2 reservoir. The petition can be viewed and supported online, reflecting the community’s determination to seek clarity and solutions to their ongoing struggles.

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