The City of Johannesburg has urged residents to exercise patience as officials continue to implement strategies aimed at resolving the persistent water shortages plaguing the area. During a media briefing held at the Alexander Park Reservoir earlier today, Mayor Dada Morero, alongside MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, and Joburg Water CEO, Ntshavheni Mukwevho, outlined immediate and long-term plans to restore reliable water supply.
The briefing followed the successful repairs of a burst pipe in Bryanston, which has since restored water service to approximately 50% of its capacity. Despite this progress, Mayor Morero highlighted that ageing infrastructure remains a significant challenge. He further stressed the impact of illegal water connections, which he believes exacerbates the region’s water woes.
“We are going to be very hard on illegal connections; it’s unacceptable,” Morero said emphatically. “It is contributing to the challenges of the water problems that we are having. Currently, we also plan to unveil our masterplan regarding infrastructure refurbishment, which includes pipe replacement to address those persistent leaks.”
As water availability and pressure fluctuate across different neighbourhoods, the city plans to deploy additional water tankers to communities most affected by these shortages. Mayor Morero assured residents that the city is committed to addressing their needs during this challenging time.
In a bid to improve the long-term situation, CEO Mukwevho announced plans for infrastructure development at the Alexander Park Reservoir. He revealed that a contractor is expected to be appointed by the end of November 2025, marking the beginning of essential construction work at the site. “We will continuously share updates with residents, especially regarding the timelines of repairs and measures instituted to ensure that disruptions are minimised,” Mukwevho said, expressing confidence that an adequate water supply will be maintained while work is ongoing at the reservoir.
