Johannesburg Water disconnects illegally connected hijacked buildings in inner-city operation

by Oarabile | Apr 9, 2025 | Media Statements 2025

9 April 2025 – 15:15

Media Release

Johannesburg Water disconnects illegally connected hijacked buildings in inner-city operation

In a joint operation between the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Water, and City Power, the entities clamped down on illegal activities and bylaw infringement in Johannesburg CBD today.

Johannesburg Water and City Power officials disconnected illegally connected hijacked buildings as part of the bigger Inner-City Revitilistion Programme, which aims to tackle service delivery challenges and transform derelict and unsafe buildings.

“This follows President Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the City, where he noted the need to strengthen law enforcement and bring the City back to its world-class status,” says Nombuso Shabalala, Spokesperson for Johannesburg Water.

Officials from Johannesburg Water implemented Level 3 disconnections, which ensure that buildings cannot illegally re-connect until services are paid for.

“The lawlessness identified in the CBD include illegal water and electricity connections, hence the need for a joint operation between Johannesburg Water and City Power, who were accompanied by members of the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, and Gauteng Community Police Forum to assist with possible resistance from the community.

Today’s operation is one of many that are planned by the City in the next coming months.

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Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.

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Theft and vandalism of water infrastructure in Johannesburg is crippling effective service delivery

by Oarabile | Apr 8, 2025 | Media Statements 2025

8 April 2025 – 15:45

Media Release

Theft and vandalism of water infrastructure in Johannesburg is crippling effective service delivery 

Johannesburg Water is facing significant challenges due to the ongoing theft and vandalism of vital water infrastructure, which is severely hampering the delivery of essential services to communities. Critical assets like pipes, pumps, and manholes are frequently targeted, disrupting and hindering reliable water supply and sanitation services for residents and businesses.

“These acts of vandalism not only compromise service delivery but also pose a grave danger to public safety. Tragically, missing manhole covers have led to the loss of lives, with families mourning loved ones who have fallen victim to these hazards. This senseless destruction is costing both lives and livelihoods, and urgent action is required to address the issue,” says Mzakhe Mtshweni, Johannesburg Water’s General Manager: Operations.

Additionally, external factors such as consumer behaviour and social awareness play a significant role. For instance, public ignorance or misuse of infrastructure often leads to its abuse and vandalism, further impacting Johannesburg Water’s operations and finances. On average, the Entity spends about R20 000 per day on a jetting machine to clear a blocked sewer line where people have disposed of foreign objects in the system.

Nevertheless, mitigations are in place and some in the process of being implemented to prevent infrastructure theft and vandalism.

Johannesburg Water will enhance security measures at high-risk areas by implementing physical and electronic protection systems. These efforts include crime deterrence through improved lighting, real and dummy CCTV cameras, and collaboration with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department for rapid response.

In addition, the Entity will roll out smart manhole covers with sensors at strategic locations. These covers will be monitored 24/7, allowing for immediate response if tampered with, either preventing theft or enabling quick replacement.

“The ongoing theft and vandalism of Johannesburg’s water infrastructure is crippling service delivery and putting lives at risk. Johannesburg Water is tackling these issues by enhancing security, raising public awareness, and working with law enforcement. With investments in infrastructure upgrades and smart technologies, the Entity is focused on restoring reliable services and protecting its assets.

“However, lasting change will require collective action from both the community and authorities to prevent further damage and ensure the continued delivery of safe and sustainable water services,” concludes Mtshweni. 

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Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.

Johannesburg Water’s Pressure Reducing Valve Programme alleviates strain on the City’s network

by Oarabile | Mar 20, 2025 | Media Statements 2025

20 March 2025 – 15:15

Media Release

Johannesburg Water’s Pressure Reducing Valve Programme alleviates strain on the City’s network

To effectively manage water demand and minimise losses while ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply, one of Johannesburg Water’s key initiatives is the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Programme.

This programme, part of Johannesburg Water’s ongoing Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Programme (WCWDM), is designed to alleviate strain on the city’s water supply networks. A critical component of this effort is the maintenance and management of PRVs.

This initiative focuses on reinstating and refurbishing conventional pressure-reducing valves that are currently non-operational due to vandalism and technical faults.

“Additionally, the organisation plans to install smart pressure controllers on key network zonal PRVs. These controllers will help manage pressure more effectively, reducing the incidence of bursts and leaks. Together, these interventions aim to lower high pressures in the system, ultimately decreasing minimum night flows and water losses,” explains Logan Munsamy, senior manager for WCWDM and Technical Metering.

The WCWDM Programme also addresses other issues, such as leaking reservoirs, on-property customer leaks, and the ageing infrastructure that contributes to water loss. Johannesburg Water aims to reduce water demand by 37,123 million litres per annum through these technical interventions, complemented by its water conservation initiatives.

“PRVs are essential components of the water supply system. Installed inline within pipelines, they regulate downstream pressure to ensure a consistent water supply over long distances, even through pipes of varying diameters. Proper pressure management not only ensures efficient distribution, but also helps reduce physical losses, especially in older infrastructure. Therefore, maintaining PRVs is a critical focus area.”

Each region in Johannesburg Water’s Networks Department conducts PRV maintenance with a dedicated special services team, led by an operations manager and skilled artisan fitters, responsible for both reactive and preventative maintenance of PRVs. Given the valuable materials used in PRVs, such as brass and copper, securing these components is vital to prevent theft and vandalism.

Johannesburg Water currently operates a total of 730 PRVs within the network. However, some of these valves are bypassed due to vandalism or require some maintenance and repairs. To address this, the company has established a framework contract to procure spare parts, enabling its teams to repair and reinstate PRVs more efficiently.

In addition, the Entity is implementing a project to install smart controllers in high-consumption PRV zones. In the 2023/24 Financial Year, 15 units were installed, with plans underway to install an additional 12 units in the current financial year.

Through its PRV Programme and other initiatives, Johannesburg Water is dedicated to enhancing water management, minimising losses, and providing a reliable water supply for all residents.

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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.