Phumla Mqashi set to benefit from a new borehole project by Joburg Water

One of Joburg’s biggest informal settlements Phumla Mqashi, is set to benefit from a new borehole project by Joburg Water and Wits University to end the area’s water crisis.

Residents in the community are connected illegally to Joburg Water infrastructure, often causing shortages in neighbouring areas like Lenasia.

The area is home to more than 15,000 residents.

ALSO READ: Joburg Water pilots borehole system at selected informal settlements

Earlier this year, community members took to the streets protesting against the disconnection of their illegal water connections. 

On Tuesday, Joburg Water unveiled a pilot project of supplying water to informal settlements through a borehole, in a partnership with the university.

The utility said that in Water Works, Kokotela and Marikana informal settlements, drilling had already begun.

Next on the list is Phumla Mqashi.

Joburg Water managing director Ntshavheni Mukwevho said: "It will help us in reducing the losses of water, which is 33%. If we can deal with this one aspect of illegal connections, it will reduce that number. Secondly, it’s going to make sure that the reservoir recovers as it should."

 He added that the project still needs to undergo water quality checks.