Johannesburg Water, in partnership with Wits Enterprise, is proud to announce the launch of a pioneering pilot project aimed at improving access to reliable water supply in informal settlements through the use of underground water sources.

“This innovative project marks a significant step in addressing long-standing water supply challenges in underserved communities across the City of Johannesburg. By tapping into underground aquifers, Johannesburg Water aims to supplement existing water infrastructure and ensure that all residents — regardless of where they live — have consistent access to safe water,” said Johannesburg Water’s Managing Director, Ntshavheni Mukwevho.

The pilot phase, targeted at nine informal settlements across the Deep South (Region G), involves the drilling of boreholes and the creation of localised water distribution points. The goal is to test the viability, sustainability, and scalability of underground water as a complementary source to the city’s bulk water supply, particularly in areas with limited or no formal infrastructure.
This project will be the first of its kind to improve water supply for informal settlements throughout the City of Johannesburg.
Work has begun at the Water Works, Marikana, and Kokotela informal settlements; and next, the project will move to the Phumla Mqashi and Narens Farm informal settlements.

The Deep South is an area with a high volume of informal settlements and illegal water connections, which has put a strain on the Deep South systems due to the demand exceeding available supply/capacity.

“We are truly grateful to Johannesburg Water and all its partners for this project. We will ensure that we safeguard the project as water is life, and is also a scarce resource,” said Keletso Mbele, community leader for Water Works Informal Settlement.

Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.

8 October 2025 – 12:45

Media Statement

Johannesburg Water strongly condemns the assault of one of its illegal connections
investigators, who was attacked by a customer during the execution of his duties in
Tulisa Park, Johannesburg South, on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

The investigator was at the property to investigate a suspected illegal reconnection
after the customer was disconnected by Credit Management Disconnection (Level 1).
The Entity views any act of violence against our employees with the utmost
seriousness and will not tolerate such behaviour under any circumstances.

The matter has been reported to law enforcement authorities, and we are cooperating
fully to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken. We will also be providing the
affected employee with the necessary support and counselling.

Our employees work diligently to provide essential water and sanitation services to the
residents of Johannesburg. We urge residents and customers to please allow
Johannesburg Water’s staff to carry out their responsibilities in a safe and respectful
environment, free from threats, intimidation, or harm.

Johannesburg Water appeals to all customers to raise concerns or disputes through
the proper channels and to treat our staff with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Acts of violence undermine service delivery and will be met with the full extent of the
law.

Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing

10 September 2025 – 12:00
Media Statement

R800 million Investment Injected for Commando Systems

Johannesburg Water is injecting over R800 million for a sustainable solution into resolving and improving the Commando Systems’ challenges. The main challenge for the System is insufficient bulk infrastructure, that is, reservoirs, bulk lines and pump stations, making it enormously vulnerable to any disruptions.

The commando system supplies sizeable communities in the Brixton, Crosby and Hurst Hill 1 and Hurst Hill 2 supply zones including, Mayfair, Coronationville, Westdene, Westbury, some parts of Ackland Park, Langlaagte North, Pageview, Vrededorp, Sophiatown, Claremont, Braamfontein, Melville, and Emmarentia amongst others.
The Entity is on track to complete and commission the new Brixton reservoir (26 Ml) and tower (2.2Ml) by end of October 2025. We are further installing a new bulk line (4.5 km of diameter ranging from 600mm to 1000mm) and 2 new pump stations planned to be completed in December 2026.

Johannesburg Water has since appointed a contractor to refurbish the Hurst Hill 2 reservoir, the contractor will complete the assignment in May 2026. A contractor to refurbish Hurst Hill 1 reservoir (currently on bypass as it is leaking), will be appointed in November 2025 with the completion date planned for October 2026.
It is important to state that recovery of the Commando System takes longer after any disruption because of the insufficient bulk infrastructure and that the R800 million investment will alleviate the systems’ sensitivity to interruptions.
These projects are but part of the broader Johannesburg Water’s ten-year R32.5 billion capital investment to maintain, refurbish and expand City of Johannesburg’s water and sanitation infrastructure. In the current financial year, Johannesburg Water will spend some R1.7 billion towards water and sanitation infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, the Entity will continue with its water conservation and water demand management interventions to reduce the overall demand and wastage. We plead with residents to continue to observe Level 1 water restrictions and use water responsibly.
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing