JW infrastructure isolated in aiding the search and rescue operation

Johannesburg Water condemns assault of investigator during illegal connections operation in Tulisa Park

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 24 June 2022
Time: 09h00

JW infrastructure isolated in aiding the search and rescue operation

Johannesburg Water officials and the authorities from the SAPS and EMS continue with the search for Khayalethu, a 6-year old boy who allegedly fell into a sewer manhole while playing with his friends at Dlamini park, Soweto on Sunday, 12th June 2022.

The water was isolated on 22 June 2022 to aid in the continuing search in the last stretch of the sewer line leading to the wastewater treatment works. Investigations are still in progress, as water levels need to be reduced much further to allow for the search and rescue team to inspect the sewer line.

In order to make further progress, the Doornkop West reservoir, Chiawelo reservoir and Protea Glen Direct Feed will remain isolated until further notice.

These reservoirs supply the following areas:

Doornkop West Reservoir: parts of the following areas will be affected:
Thulani, Lufhereng, Doornkop, Protea Glen, Protea City, Dobsonville Gardens, Green Village, Slovoville and Dobsonville.

Chiawelo Reservoir: parts of the following areas will be affected
Chiawelo, Klipriversoog, Dhlamini, Protea Glen, Protea Gardens, Protea South, Protea North and Mapetla

Protea Glen Direct Feed:
All extensions of Protea Glen

Infrastructure in the Lenasia area (Lenasia Cosmos reservoir, Lenasia Hospital Hill reservoir, Lenasia High Level reservoir, Gemsbok direct feed) has been reinstated.

Alternative water supply is being arranged and water tankers locations will be communicated.

The plugging of specific sewer points to reduce flow, will result in blockages. Customers will note an increase in sewer blockages in the following areas:

Protea South, Chiawelo and Midway Industrial

JW pleads with the community for support, understanding and patience as the team focuses on the search and recovery of the body of the missing boy. Further updates will be advised as the exercise progresses.

Details of the search results will be made available. Furthermore, we plead that the family be allowed space to get through this terrible ordeal.

ENDS