Civil society calls for Joburg water crisis to be declared a national disaster

Civil society group WaterCAN has warned that Johannesburg residents are living under ‘Day Zero conditions’, calling for the water crisis to be declared a national disaster. 

Executive director Dr Ferrial Adam explained that the situation is critical, with dam levels at 58.3% capacity and the potential for drought-stricken months ahead. 

The city is also fighting leaking reservoirs, burst pipes, and a lack of storage capacity. 

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She said that the recent explosion at a Rand Water pump station exacerbated the issue, affecting water supply in many areas for several days. 

“The Joburg Water systems, the municipality part, is very weak, very fragile, and they haven’t been able to get the system balanced.”

Adam adds that she was currently experiencing Day 12 of no water in her suburb. 

And while communities are banding together to help each other, with many residents offering additional water or access to their boreholes or swimming pools, this cannot be the reality. 

“It’s chaotic, and as we speak, there are three areas that are planning protests this week,” she said.

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She emphasised the need for a national focus on water management, better infrastructure, and a more water-aware society. 

“A state of national disaster would make a difference by allowing funding. And we need more skills,” Adam said. 

To listen to Adam in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maythem, use the audio player below: