Johannesburg Emergency Water Supply

## Water Infrastructure Maintenance 22 June to 29 July 2024[edit]

Johannesburg’s water system is in crisis.[1] On the 3 June 2024,  Rand Water announced a proactive and planned infrastructure and asset maintenance initiative to run from 22 June to 29 July 2024 to upgrade pipes and improve water supply.[2] Water availability in the wider Johannesburg Metropolitan Region will be impacted as the pumping from Eikenhof, [3]Zwartkopjes[4] Palmiet and Mapleton systems is reduced.

## Impacted Areas[edit]

Residents have been warned about water shortages, to make alternative arrangements, as taps across the city are likely to run dry.[5] Joburg Water, (an independent company with the City of Johannesburg its only shareholder),[6] reassured residents that the reduced flow pressure was not a crisis.[7] During the 37 [8] planned maintenance period. [9], dubbed as the “winter water shutdown”[10]four service providers will dispatch eighty-five roaming water trucks to relieve those with empty taps in the affected regions. [11]. 250 JoJo tanks will also be stationed at specific locations (hospitals, clinics, senior homes, schools, police stations, direct feed areas) to assist residents.[12]

## Water Stress in South Africa[edit]

South Africa is often referred to as a water-scarce country [13] The debate among experts was whether this scarcity could be attributed to physical or economic factors. As of 2009, the consensus was that South Africa was not facing a water crisis. [14]. These opinions may need to be revised. The issue at present is about the just allocation of water. South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that has enshrined the basic right to sufficient water in its Constitution. "Everyone has the right to have access to [...] sufficient food and water."[15] The allocation of water, should address poverty, address equity, create jobs and address economic growth[16] Across South Africa, water-stressed places get by.[17]Water scarcity only enters the news headlines, when a crisis affects a major economic centre.

## Water Sector Infrastructure[edit]

Corruption in the South African water sector has become systemic.[18] In Johannesburg, water infrastructure breakdowns are frequent. Many residents view this "instability of supply" as neither an economic nor physical issue but one of good governance.[19] The city's inability to address a stable water supply became an election issue,[20] that impacted the ruling party's performance in  2024 General Elections.[21]

## Action Required[edit]

Water allocation remains an ongoing challenge for the whole of South Africa, with numerous calls for action for the private sector to address the water issue.[22] Despite constitutional rights, water allocation is focused primarily on big business at the expense of vulnerable communities, located in remote regions.[23]

Water instability in Johannesburg is a blow to the city’s reputation as a “World Class African City”, but challenges in water management also have to be seen as part of the greater climate crisis.[24] If water scarcity is to be addressed, then immediate and decisive constitutionally informed action is necessary.[25]

## Water Supply Points[edit]

### Auckland Park[edit]

The Auckland Park Mosque is allowing residents to utilise their borehole water supply.

* Location: 46 Richmond Avenue, Auckland Park.

Residents are requested to be mindful of prayer times when collecting water.

## External Site[edit]

* Joburg Water Media Statements  (latest update 26 June 2024)

## References[edit]

1. ^ https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/smart-water-magazine/water-crisis-grips-johannesburg-residents-face-unprecedented-shortages
2. ^ Maroo, Makenosi (3 June 2024). "RAND WATER EMBARKS ON PROACTIVE EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE DURING WINTER MONTHS TO IMPROVE RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF ITS WATER INFRASTRUCTURE" (PDF). Rand Water. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
3. ^ https://www.johannesburgwater.co.za/rand-water-eikenhof-pump-station/
4. ^ "Zwartkopjes Pumpstation". johannesburgwater.co.za. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
5. ^ https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-06-25-parts-of-joburg-will-stay-dry-as-rand-water-continues-five-week-upgrades/
6. ^ "Johannesburg Water". City of Joburg website. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
7. ^ Bega, Sheree (2024-06-20). "Johannesburg Water: Maintenance project 'not a crisis' for city's supply". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
8. ^ Phenyo, Selinda (2024-06-19). "Extensive Rand Water Infrastructure Maintenance to Commence this Saturday | Central News South Africa". centralnews.co.za. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
9. ^ Majadibodu, Simon (24 June 2024). "Rand Water Maintenance: Over 20 Joburg areas to experience water supply disruptions". IOL. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
10. ^ Selane, Enkosi (2024-06-19). "Long water shutdown looms over Joburg: Here are the affected areas". The Citizen. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
11. ^ Bega, Sheree (2024-06-20). "Johannesburg Water: Maintenance project 'not a crisis' for city's supply". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
12. ^ "Engineering News - Johannesburg Water well prepared for Rand Water's maintenance".
13. ^ Mnisi, Nhlanhla. "Water Scarcity In South Africa: A Result Of Physical Or Economic Factors?". Helen Suzman Foundation. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
14. ^ Muller et al. (2009), URL: https://www.dbsa.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2021-03/DPD No12. Water security in South Africa.pdf
15. ^ Constitution of 1996, Chapter 2, Section 27
16. ^ https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/dwafwaterallocation0.pdf
17. ^ Mtabane, Busi (2022-12-14). "WATER SCARCITY IN SOUTH AFRICA - WHO WINS AND WHO LOSES?". Amandla. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
18. ^ "Controlling Corruption to Improve Water Security: Lessons from the South African Water Sector". Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. 2020-06-03. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
19. ^ Nondywana, Thando (2024-06-24). "'Catastrophic' water insecurity looms for Johannesburg, warns WaterCAN". The Citizen. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
20. ^ https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2024-03-18-news-analysis-water-crisis-is-now-an-election-issue/
21. ^ "Water Cuts Increase Frustration in South Africa Ahead of May 29 Elections". 14 March 2024.
22. ^ "Water Crisis In South Africa". Greenpeace Africa. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
23. ^ Mtabane, Busi (2022-12-14). "WATER SCARCITY IN SOUTH AFRICA - WHO WINS AND WHO LOSES?". Amandla. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
24. ^ Bartlett, Kate (1 April 2024). "Johannesburg's water crisis is the latest blow to South Africa's 'world-class city'". NPR Morning Edition. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
25. ^ "Johannesburg's Water Crisis: Causes, Effects, and Solutions". Gauteng News. March 12, 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.

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