Joburg Water claims it lacks funds to carry out essential repairs to infrastructure
Joburg Water was responding to protest action led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at its offices in the city centre on Monday, voicing frustration at the rampant water supply disruptions.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members marched to Joburg Water to demand an end to water shedding on Monday, 3 March 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Joburg Water has made claims that it lacks sufficient funding to carry out essential repair work to its old infrastructure.
The utility announced that the National Treasury had stepped in to help secure its financing needs to enable it to continue with maintenance and development.
Joburg Water was responding to a protest action led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at its offices in the city centre on Monday, voicing frustration at the rampant water supply disruptions.
The EFF has identified the City of Joburg as the most problematic regarding water issues.
During the demonstration, the party gave Joburg Water seven days to respond to demands contained in a memorandum it presented to the utility to end water cuts.
Utility spokesperson, Nondumiso Mabuza, said they were confident that with the anticipated resources, they would be able to improve the situation.
"We have approached National Treasury and the reforms process is currently underway."
The party is also demanding a plan from Joburg Water that will detail measures preventing reservoirs from dropping below capacity.
READ: EFF gives Joburg Water 7 days to respond to water shedding demands
EFF provincial chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, said: "Ensuring that reservoirs meet their 40 to 50% water capacity."
He added that the EFF would take charge of revamping Joburg Water's management and infrastructure systems if a viable plan to supply water was not presented.