Request for urgent site visits and honest answers to the water crisis in the City of Johannesburg

TO RAND WATER: Mr Sipho Mosai, Chief Executive Officer. Mr Ramateu Monyokolo, Chairperson of the Board, Ms Makenosi Maroo, Spokesperson

TO JOBURG WATER: Mr Ntshavheni Mukwevho, Managing Director. Mr Derrick Kgwale, Chief Operations Officer. Ms Nondumiso Mabuza, Executive Manager: Stakeholder Relations & Communications.

Over the past year, the region has witnessed a disturbing increase in water challenges, marked by frequent shutdowns, load shedding, water shedding, rampant water leaks and now "water shifting." This crisis has left numerous communities without water for days, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

The responses from RandWater, Johannesburg Water, municipalities, and city mayors have been disappointing, characterised by finger pointing and blame games rather than providing solutions, leadership, and direction. The lack of adequate communication has left residents confused and unsure of what exactly is happening with our water resources. The situation has reached a critical point.

In the face of a rapidly escalating water crisis and lack of engagement with affected communities, WaterCAN an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), together with local residents associations are raising a clarion call for immediate action to address these challenges. In order for us to understand the situation better we would like to request the following:

1.     Urgent site visits of key reservoirs in Johannesburg that includes community groups and organisations as well as experts proposed by civil society and media

2.     Joburg Water and Rand Waters' implementation plans for responding to changing consumption patterns to ensure that citizens receive reliable water supply. 

3.     Joburg Water and Rand Waters' plans for comprehensive monitoring systems to track water supply in real time to each system and the output from each reservoir as well as reservoir levels

4.     Develop a shared advocacy campaign for water-wise citizens

Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager: WaterCAN

Email: ferrial.adam@outa.co.za