The Democratic Alliance (DA) cannot stand idly by as residents bear the brunt of the deeply problematic water shortages and outages. More so, we will not allow the executive mayor of Joburg to blame residents for the situation.
Many DA ward councillors are actively advocating for solutions amidst ongoing strikes at Joburg water depots. The recent strike at Zandfontein Depot, only brought to light due to councillor intervention, underscores the urgency of resolving labour disputes affecting service delivery.
The Mayor recently had a meeting with Rand Water, and it yielded familiar rhetoric, citing excessive water usage among Joburg residents as a primary concern. However, this narrative fails to acknowledge underlying challenges and systemic issues within water management.
As the Mayor berates residents for their water consumption, critical infrastructure failures continue to exacerbate the situation. Burst pipes in Rosebank, Bramley and Sunninghill and water shortages in Blairgowrie highlight the immediate need for comprehensive action. The lack of communication from the Executive regarding strike resolution further compounds these challenges.
While it’s promising that Rand Water and Joburg Water have now established a task team to address water losses, the scope of investigation must extend beyond technical issues. Non-technical losses, accounting for approximately 40% of water loss and costing the City R3 billion, demand equal attention and resolution.
The DA remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and advocating for residents’ access to a reliable water supply. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise collaborative efforts and transparent communication to address these issues effectively.