Joburg mayor pledges R800 million to resolve ongoing water crisis

As water protests in Coronationville in Westbury, and Ivory Park in Tembisa, continued on Thursday, with residents of Westbury seen clashing with the police, City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero confirmed that the city has committed R800 million towards resolving water challenges in the city.

On Thursday, Morero met with residents of Westbury in Coronationville, following widespread protests in the area and other parts of the city over water challenges.

"Joburg Water is committing over R800 million to find a sustainable solution for the challenges facing the Commando Systems. We understand that the main difficulty lies in the lack of sufficient bulk infrastructure, including reservoirs, bulk lines, and pump stations.

Morero said his government is set to commission new reservoirs to deal with the challenges, as residents vowed to continue with their demonstrations until the mayor addresses them.

"We want to reassure residents that we are dedicated to completing and commissioning the new Brixton reservoir and tower by the end of October 2025," he said.

Meanwhile, the national government has directed the City of Joburg to implement interim measures to address the current water supply challenges in affected areas. William Baloyi, speaking on behalf of the national government, urged communities to be patient as the government focused on their issues. 

“Government acknowledges the seriousness of these concerns and is working on long-term sustainable solutions to ensure a reliable water supply to the affected communities. We want to appeal to communities to allow these measures to be carried out without disrupting the workers, as any interference will delay the implementation.”

During his visit to Westbury on Thursday, Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni urged community members to refrain from blocking emergency services vehicles, including ambulances in the area.

Following reports that at least five people were shot with rubber bullets by police during Wednesday's standoff between police and the residents, provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said these will be investigated.

"Community members have a right to open a case, which will be investigated by the Independent Investigative Directorate (IPID).  So, we will make sure that the case is opened and is taken to IPID for further investigation. I’m glad that you say you have got the evidence that will be presented to IPID,” said Masondo.

DA caucus leader in the city of Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echozonjoku, who also visited Westbury on Wednesday, called on Morero, to dissolve the cadre-filled board of Joburg Water and appoint experienced engineers and individuals to run the entity.

"It is an absolute disgrace that residents in Johannesburg have to fight for access to water. Basic human rights are being trampled on in the economic hub of South Africa. Water tankers have long been suspected of being used as cash cows for politically connected cadres. Importantly, though, is the enabling force behind this – water towers must be broken and kept broken, for water tankers to run," she said.

An emotional community leader, Melissa Davids, decried the lack of empathy shown to the community by government officials, stating: " Why does it take so long for the government to come to us? It feels like we are back to apartheid years".

Davids also decried the alleged use of rubber bullets on protesting community members, including the elderly.

"This community started this entire protest because they are collectively upset, and they are frustrated. But to get the police to prosecute us and laugh in our faces after an 81-year-old and our elderly have been shot at. Even our children as as little as 5 and 7 years old in their own yards. What does that really say? Are we animals?" she said.

In Ivory Park, Tembisa, Thursday's protest over water challenges ended with an alleged injury to two community members following a stand-off between residents and taxi drivers.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za