CoJ tops list in Gauteng for water-related problems, says EFF
Members of the party marched to Johannesburg Water offices in the city centre on Monday to demand an end to water shedding.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members marched to Joburg Water to demand an end to water shedding on Monday, 3 March 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng says the City of Johannesburg tops the list in the province for water-related problems.
Members of the party marched to Johannesburg Water offices in the city centre on Monday to demand an end to water shedding.
ALSO READ:
- EFF gives Joburg Water 7 days to respond to water shedding demands
- EFF demands clear plan from Joburg Water on how it plans to resolve city's water supply problems
- IN PICS: EFF members protest Joburg Water supply cuts in the rain
The demonstration comes as residents continue to deal with supply challenges, blamed on ageing infrastructure and high demand.
The party submitted a memorandum of demands to the utility, including declaring the water crisis a state of disaster.
“The City of Johannesburg [Metropolitan] Municipality council immediately declared a state of disaster in as far as the Johannesburg water crisis is concerned,” said provincial secretary Moshe Koma.
“All current maintenance infrastructure plans or interventions be taken into review by an independent expert body that is external to the functions or working of both the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water.”
The party is further demanding that Joburg Water table a budget that will address infrastructure and maintenance of water pipelines.
“All water infrastructure within this city to be characterised as a priority status, including installation of tamper-proof equipment.
“The urgent tabling of a budget that will address infrastructure and maintenance demands of Johannesburg water pipelines.”
JOBURG WATER RESPONDS TO EFF
Joburg Water has announced that low-income households who struggle with paying their water bills can apply for aid to avoid the risk of being cut off.
The utility was responding to protestors who joined a march led by the EFF - demonstrating frustration over recurring water cuts in some areas.
In the same breath, Joburg Water says it will continue to completely halt supply to residents who can afford water bills but choose not to settle their accounts
“Johannesburg Water has a programme through the City of Joburg for indigent families. So, those that can't afford water, they can register, but for every resident that can afford to pay for water, we will continue with the cut-offs, we will not restrict only. Restrictions are underway and the programme is available on different platforms of the business,” said Joburg Water spokesperson Nondumiso Mabuza.