Alpha Ramushwana13 February 2025 | 15:05

Growing calls for dissolution of Joburg Water board as taps continue to run dry

Large parts of the city have been without water for nearly two days now due to an increase in demand. 

Growing calls for dissolution of Joburg Water board as taps continue to run dry

FILE: A water tanker stationed in Johannesburg to assist residents without water. Picture: X/@JHBWater

JOHANNESBURG - There are calls for the Johannesburg Water board to be dissolved as taps in parts of the city run dry once again. 

Large parts of the city have been without water for nearly two days now due to an increase in demand. 

Some political parties believe Joburg water needs fresh leaders, claiming the current cohort isn't cutting it. 

According to the Gauteng government, the City of Johannesburg consumes more water than Tshwane and Ekurhuleni combined. 

READ: Johannesburg Water blames outages on high consumption

In addition, the city has surpassed the volume of water it is contractually entitled to receive from Rand Water. 

Democratic Alliance Joburg councillor, Tyrell Meyers said Johannesburg water is in dire need of leaders capable of addressing the city's water crisis. 

"Our call for the dissolution of Johannesburg Water’s board, if complied with, would mean that members of the board can be replaced with qualified, merit-based individuals who understand water engineering and reticulation."

The crisis of dry taps in the city is primarily caused by aging infrastructure, excessive water demand, and persistent leakages.