Joburg's water issues 'self-inflicted' - Majodina

JOHANNESBURG - Joburg's water issues have been brought on by the municipality’s failure to properly manage its own infrastructure.

This has been worsened by the fact that almost half of the city's water is of non-revenue, being lost to leaks and illegal connections.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina announced that Johannesburg would be placed under water restrictions from 9pm to 4am every day, until further notice.

ALSO READ:

• There is no drought in Gauteng but province is experiencing water challenges - DWS

• Gauteng loses more than 2.3bn litres from Rand Water daily due to leaks - DWS

On Monday afternoon, the Office of the Chief Justice issued a statement saying the Constitutional Court in Hillbrow had been unable to conduct in-court appearances due to unreliable water supply from the beginning of November.

Starting on Thursday, Johannesburg residents will have their water throttled from 9pm until 4am.

Addressing the media on Monday afternoon, Majodina had some harsh words for Gauteng municipalities.

"What we are going through in Gauteng, and all 11 municipalities of Gauteng, is self-inflicted pain by municipalities, where they were unable to do the necessary things - that is to operate their reservoirs and water resources, as well as maintenance."

She said that Joburg Water must adhere to a plan its presented to rectify the problem.

"The City of Joburg must reduce the leaks in its water distribution system and complete its current project to complete more water reservoirs."

Joburg has been on level one water restrictions from September.