MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 09 JANUARY 2026
Emergency Water and Electricity Interruption – Yeoville and Surrounding Areas
The City of Johannesburg wishes to inform residents and businesses in Yeoville and the surrounding areas of an emergency situation that has resulted in the temporary interruption of both water and electricity services. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and distress this disruption may cause, particularly given the short notice.
A major burst water pipe has occurred on the main supply line feeding the Yeoville Reservoir. This has already impacted water supply in the area, with customers experiencing low water pressure or a complete loss of water.
To allow repair teams to work safely, the electricity supply in the immediate vicinity of the burst will be temporarily switched off from 22h00 this evening. The damaged water pipe is located extremely close to high-voltage underground electricity cables, and keeping the power on during excavation would pose a serious risk to the lives of personnel on site.
This temporary power interruption is therefore a critical safety measure to protect workers and prevent further damage to essential infrastructure.
Areas affected by the electricity interruption include:
- Yeoville
- Grafton Road
- Fortesque Street
- Harley Street
Areas that may experience low water pressure or no water include:
Yeoville, Bellevue, Observatory, Linksfield, Berea, Doornfontein, Jeppestown, Fairview, Troyville, parts of Kensington, Braamfontein, Parktown, Johannesburg CBD, Newtown, Selby, Forest Hill, Turffontein, Rosettenville, La Rochelle, Turf Club, Kenilworth, Glenesk, Regents Park and Village Deep.
Water reservoir levels in the affected supply zone continue to decline, and pumping operations have been temporarily suspended while emergency repairs are underway.
At this stage, an exact time for full restoration cannot yet be confirmed. However, repair teams are working continuously, with the intention of restoring both water and electricity services by Saturday morning, subject to repair conditions.
Teams from City Power and Johannesburg Water are working closely and in coordination to resolve the matter as safely and efficiently as possible. Residents will be kept informed through regular updates as progress is made.
We thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during this emergency. Ensuring the safety of our communities and the personnel working to restore services remains our highest priority.
Issued by the City of Joburg
For enquiries, kindly send to mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
ENDS