Emmarentia residents took to the streets last week to protest almost two weeks without water, but when asked for reasons Johannesburg Water put the blame squarely at Rand Water’s feet.
Nombuso Shabalala, spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, said, “Rand Water’s Eikenhof maintenance programme commenced on June 24 for Johannesburg’s network. There is a direct correlation between this outage and the current Rand Water works. Eikenhof will be pumping at reduced capacity until July 12.”
Read more: Emmarentia residents unite to tackle ongoing water crisis
When asked why this community (and others) have had such an extended outage, Rand Water turned it back on Johannesburg Water. Spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said, “Unfortunately, I cannot speak on behalf of Johannesburg Water or speculate on how they handle matters. We are all working together to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to customers and residents.”
The protest took place at the corner of Barry Hertzog Avenue and Judith Road during peak hour traffic. Residents gathered as anger spilt onto the streets due to sections of the area being without water for 10 days at the time of going to print.
In various media statements from Johannesburg Water, residents were again partially blamed for the water outages with repeated claims that there is ‘not enough supply of water to fulfil the demand’. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that these statements are for the whole of the city, and are not specifically targeted to individual areas.
Somayya Motala is the owner of Mochachos in Emmarentia. “The impact of the protest was that we were heard, and water was restored a few minutes after the protest had ended. It was amazingly co-ordinated although it was organised at such short notice. It was amazing how the community came together to stand for a good cause.”
The return of supply remained intermittent at the time of going to print.
Maroo said, “Rand Water has undertaken an extensive proactive maintenance project. We have completed maintenance work that affected the Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes systems. Rand Water is pumping water, and the system is recovering.”
The group that organised the protest forms part of a broader city-wide network, the Water Crisis Committee, which comprises residents, water experts, activists, and non-profits who monitor and highlight water issues.
Dr Ferrial Adam from Outa’s WaterCAN said. “The water crisis in Emmarentia is not an isolated incident, other areas, such as Kensington also face water problems.”
She mentioned the water crisis was also not something new, which was cold comfort for those who struggle daily with dry taps. “The people of Johannesburg have been grappling with water supply issues since last year. Efforts are underway to connect with other groups and organisations to address the broader water challenges in the metro.”
Adam queried why the area, which is serviced by the Hursthill 2 reservoir, which is part of the Commando water network, has taken so long to have supply restored. “We don’t know what is causing this lack of water. We thought it might be an airlock, but authorities denied this. So, what is it? I think they just keep giving us stories.”
Also read: Joburg residents fear not, Rand Water maintenance is not an emergency
Shabalala, however, implied airlocks were playing a part. “Once the system becomes empty, air enters the system and causes challenges such as bursts and low-pressure during restoration. Airlocks are a problem, compounded by intermittent supply. Overnight, the Hursthill 2 outlet is closed, so there is no water in the networks. When the outlet is opened in the mornings, flushing of the line is required to allow air to escape.”
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker said, “Despite the dedication of some Johannesburg Water officials, it is clear that we urgently need a budget allocation for infrastructure maintenance. The impact of this week’s outage on our residents underscores this necessity.”
She also bemoans the, “25% of water is lost to wastage and leaks, and up to 20% being used through illegal connections.”
The Water Crisis Committee, of which Adam is a member, said it was vital for authorities to address these concerns and work towards resolving the water challenges faced by the city.
Shabalala conceded that both Hursthill 1 and 2 reservoirs require rehabilitation.
“Hursthill 1 was identified a few years back as being problematic, and the programme is ongoing through project lifecycle stages. Hursthill 2 reservoir was identified in the 2021/22 financial year and was assigned as a project in the next funding cycle. Something has been done; however, these programmes require Capex investment, and the city has financial challenges making it unable to meet the 2% per annum investment of about R2.1b a year.”
Water tariffs have increased by 7.7% despite ongoing supply problems.
Related article: Emmarentia residents take to the streets demanding water supply
