Last week’s planned water shutdown, coupled with stage 6 load-shedding left many Johannesburg residents with doubts about supply restoration after repairs were concluded. As a result, they took proactive measures such as investing in water tankers and other storage solutions to ensure an adequate water supply.
To the surprise of many, the water gradually returned within the expected timeframe, even if not on the exact day as initially anticipated. This unexpected recovery was met with relief by the residents.
Councilor Stuart Marais of Ward 54 commended the professionalism displayed by Johannesburg Water throughout the entire situation. He mentioned, regular meetings were held to keep them informed about the affected areas and any potential challenges that might arise.
“Let’s give credit where credit is due. Joburg Water had set up meetings with us, with all the councilors of all the wards. We [had a meeting] yesterday for three hours, and they discussed all the areas.”
Are the Water Woes Behind Certain Areas in Johannesburg?
While Ward 54 is adjacent to areas like Robertsham, still grappling with water shortages, Councilor Marais expressed uncertainty when asked if those challenges had been resolved. However, he assured residents he would investigate the current situation to provide accurate information.
Marais further commented, the recent water shutdown is just one of several planned efforts by Rand Water and Johannesburg Water to repair and enhance the deteriorating water infrastructure in the city. Despite the inconvenience caused, he finds it encouraging that stakeholders are actively working towards addressing the water challenges.
“At this present stage, there are more jobs to come in, and I think it’s encouraging to know that we’re looking at fixing the infrastructure, which is aged. I think it is sufficient that we have to go down that route. I know it’s very inconvenient, and people don’t always understand. But, you know, we have been screaming about what they have done about the maintenance, and they never do maintenance. Now [they’re doing it].”
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Contingency Plans, Which Were in Place, In case of Water Delays
The impact of the water shutdown varied across different areas, including some which were not initially listed. In response to the unforeseen outages, Johannesburg Water took measures to alleviate the situation by deploying extra water tankers to the affected areas.
Regarding Ward 54’s readiness, Marais hinted at his anticipated potential delays. He proactively made alternative preparations with the limited resources available to him.
He also admired the solidarity displayed by the communities within his ward, particularly their efforts to support one another, including assisting older people and those who lacked access to water storage facilities.
“I must be honest. We have great people in our ward … The Roshni community came out, and they brought bottled water. People like the Rangers who filled up a water truck and helped my elderly village that didn’t have a tanker.”
Nevertheless, the outcome of these measures remains to be determined, and only time will reveal their effectiveness in alleviating the water crisis, not just within Johannesburg but also throughout the country.
It is a critical period where the success of these efforts will determine the extent to which the water challenges can be mitigated, providing hope for a more stable and reliable water supply in the future.
