Fix SA’s broken water system says scientists as Gauteng water crisis deepens

The city of Johannesburg’s dry taps is a result of a cycle of dry weather and faulty infrastructure.

Forty-two of Johannesburg’s 128 reservoirs are thought to be leaking via pipes and walls. Johannesburg Water is budgeting R61 billion to replace critical water infrastructure over the next decade.

Senzo Mchunu, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, has promised to increase the bulk water allocation to the Rand Water system as part of the emergency steps to alleviate water shortages in Gauteng metros, districts, and local governments. These measures, according to Mchunu, are in place for nine months as the department looks for long-term solutions to the use and management of water.

Residents of Johannesburg now experience daily water shedding in addition to load shedding. The severity of the crisis was examined with Radio Islam International by Prof. Mike Muller of Wits School of Governance and Dr Gideon Groenewald, an independent geologist from the Free State.