City Infrastructure in Crisis: DA Demands Leadership Overhaul as Johannesburg Water Struggles with Massive R37 Billion Repair Needs
Johannesburg’s water infrastructure is buckling under the weight of an extensive R37 billion backlog, with 45 of the city’s reservoirs in urgent need of refurbishment. As the city grapples with chronic water losses and failing infrastructure, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for drastic measures, demanding the dissolution of Johannesburg Water’s board. The situation, compounded by nearly half of the city’s water being lost to leaks, burst pipes, and other infrastructure issues, has ignited debates about accountability, resource allocation, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Infrastructure in Disrepair: Critical Reservoirs and Limited Resources
Johannesburg Water, responsible for managing the city’s water infrastructure, currently faces an overwhelming R37 billion backlog. According to City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Mayor Dada Morero, the city’s budget has allocated additional funds to the capital expenditure budget, but even this is insufficient given the pressing repair needs. Notably, of Johannesburg’s 128 reservoirs, 45 require immediate refurbishment, with 21 classified as “critical.”
Managing Director Ntshavheni Mukwevho highlighted that these repairs could cost up to R25 million per reservoir, requiring a full year to complete each. In light of the urgency, the DA’s Shadow MMC for Infrastructure, Nicole van Dyk, has questioned Johannesburg Water’s ability to address these issues effectively, citing the low operational capacity of the vehicle fleet, which currently stands at 55%.
DA’s Demand for Accountability
Amid the crisis, Van Dyk criticized the entity’s leadership, emphasizing that mismanagement has hindered Johannesburg Water’s ability to address both immediate and long-term infrastructural needs. “An ineffective executive sank an effective entity by misaligning their priorities and ignoring the immediate and long-term needs of our city,” Van Dyk remarked.
Calling for the Johannesburg Water board’s dissolution, Van Dyk argues that the entity needs technical experts, not politically appointed elites, to restore the city’s crumbling infrastructure. The DA has also called for comprehensive audits of the board members to ensure accountability in their roles.
Water Wastage and Public Call to Action
A staggering 46% of Johannesburg’s water is reportedly lost due to outdated infrastructure. Mayor Morero, urging public cooperation, outlined the city’s water conservation strategy, which includes the repair of leaking reservoirs, improved leak detection, and stringent by-law enforcement. “By working together, Johannesburg residents and the government can mitigate water losses,” he stated, appealing for a community-wide effort to support water conservation measures.
A Dire Outlook
The ongoing water crisis and the crumbling infrastructure are critical issues affecting Johannesburg’s residents and businesses alike. With the current trajectory, without significant financial investment and effective leadership, Johannesburg Water’s backlog may continue to grow, affecting water access and quality across the city. As the city council deliberates over the DA’s call for leadership overhaul, residents await effective solutions to prevent further degradation of this essential service.
