By Staff Writer
- Johannesburg will cut water every night from 9pm to 4am starting on Thursday as reservoir levels drop dangerously low.
- The city narrowly avoided power cuts by promising to pay R1.4-billion of its R4.9-billion Eskom debt by month’s end.
Joburg residents will face nightly water cuts from Thursday as the city battles to keep its taps running while trying to settle a huge electricity debt.
Water Minister Pemmy Majodina said water will be cut from 9pm to 4am until reservoir levels improve. This adds to level one water restrictions that have already been in place since September.
At the same time, the city nearly lost power over billions of Eskom debt. City Power has promised to pay R1.4-billion by the end of November to keep the lights on.
Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stepped in to help sort out the crisis.
“If Johannesburg fails, the economy will fail,” he said.
The minister revealed that councils across South Africa now owe Eskom R90-billion, up from R78-billion in July.
Mayor Dada Morero says there’s no immediate crisis and promises to keep power flowing. The city and Eskom will bring in an expert to check billing problems within 14 days.
Both water and power problems show how Joburg’s basic services are under pressure. Residents must now save water at night while hoping the city can keep paying its electricity bills.
Pictured above: Johannesburg.
Source: Stock
