by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Oct 8, 2025 | Media Statements 2025
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.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Oct 8, 2025 | Media Statements 2025
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.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing
by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Sep 10, 2025 | Media Statements 2025
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.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing
by Teboho | Jul 15, 2025 | Media Statements 2025
10 July 2025 – 11:00
Media Release
Rand Water Maintenance to affect Johannesburg Water systems from 15 – 18 July 2025
Customers are reminded that Rand Water will conduct maintenance on the bulk water supplier’s O2 pipeline from 15 to 18 July 2025. The line had been previously temporarily repaired and Rand Water confirmed that it is now the ideal time to execute this maintenance work during the low temperature period in preparation for the higher demand season starting from August 2025. The maintenance will affect some Johannesburg Water’s systems and will be conducted as follows:
| | Rand Water affected system | | Johannesburg Water impacted systems | |
| | | 15 July 2025 from 05:00 to 18 July 2025 to 08:00 75 hours | *Sandton Systems *Alexander Park Reservoir *South Hills Tower *Randjieslaagte Reservoir *Linksfield Reservoir *Midrand Systems | Pumping will be reduced for the duration of the 75-hour maintenance, which may result in some areas experiencing poor pressure/ intermittent supply to no water conditions at times
|
| | | | | *Please note that it may take several days for the system to fully recover, and for normal water supply to return upon completion of maintenance. |
Residents may experience poor pressure/intermittent to no water during the maintenance period; however, arrangements will be made for alternative water supply to affected areas. Residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance. Once the maintenance is completed, it will take several days for the systems to fully recover and for the normal water supply to return.
Johannesburg Water will provide further updates on all its social media platforms and will also have meetings with ward councillors from the affected areas.
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Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing
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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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.
