Small business owners in Joburg say they didn't have enough time to prepare for water restrictions
The city, alongside the water and sanitation department, announced the implementation of water-throttling, which will see the reduction of water pressure to ease the strain on the city’s reservoirs.
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JOHANNESBURG - Small business owners in Joburg are complaining that they weren’t given adequate time to prepare for water restrictions set to be implemented on Thursday tonight.
The city, alongside the water and sanitation department, announced the implementation of water-throttling, which will see the reduction of water pressure to ease the strain on the city’s reservoirs.
Minister Pemmy Majodina said that Joburg residents were using 60% more water than the global average, with illegal connections worsening shortages.
Car wash businesses, hair salons, and restaurants are among the businesses describing this water-saving measure as an "attack on small business".
"We've got water in the tanks but if it's busy, you know water tends to run out. It becomes a problem because customers don't like being turned back," one business owner said.
"Look man, my car wash is probably going to tank. I'm going to have to fire my employees and my family is going to starve," another said.
Owners said that the one-week notice of water-throttling reinforced their frustration.
Key facilities like hospitals, clinics, and schools are also affected. However, departments responsible for these facilities have assured that services won’t be disrupted, with contingency plans like water tankers and Jojo tanks in place.