Water crisis: 'Gauteng residents are NOT water wise!'

Africa Melane is joined by Leon Basson, Chairperson of the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation.

Listen below.

ALSO READ: 'Is there any hope that we will ever have water in our taps?'

Infrastructure failures, increased demand and heatwaves. 

The problems which have led to Johannesburg's water crisis are several-fold. 

The dangerously low reservoir levels have left many areas with intermittent or no water supply.

But things look to get worse before they get better for many residents as Rand Water has announced thousands of homes will be without water for five days.

Four valves will be installed at the Hector Norris Pump Station as part of long-term plans to improve service delivery and stabilise water supply.

It means that from Friday (18 October) several suburbs across the city will be without water.

Basson says the whole of Gauteng is facing numerous water challenges.

"The severe water losses, infrastructure challenges, climate change and the population growth and then also Rand Water plays a role."

- Leon Basson, Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - National Assembly

"Later in the year or early next year, Lesotho Highlands Water Project could also play a role."

- Leon Basson, Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - National Assembly

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a multi-phased project to provide water to the Gauteng region of South Africa and to generate hydro-electricity.

Basson says there is enough water in the Vaal system that would allow the maintenance of the Lesotho Tunnel without having an effect.

"But if that is delayed it could have an effect on Gauteng."

- Leon Basson, Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - National Assembly

What's the forecast for the city and the province? When can residents expect stabilisation in the water supply?

There's no answer to that, says Basson.

"The biggest problem in Gauteng at the moment is the fact that residents are not water-wise, they are using too much water in Gauteng."

- Leon Basson, Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - National Assembly

"All the efforts by the municipality to get people to reduce their consumption are not working."

- Leon Basson, Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - National Assembly

The areas affected by the water shutdown include;  Johannesburg CBD, Newtown, Selby, Jeppestown, Doorfontein, Forest Hill, Turffontein, Rosettenville, La Rochelle, and Turf Club.

Water tankers will be stationed in and around the affected suburbs.

ALSO READ: Lesotho Highlands Water Project: 'Stoppage will NOT worsen Joburg's water woes'

Scroll up to listen to the interview from Early Breakfast with Africa Melane.