- Johannesburg Water and Wits Enterprise are drilling boreholes in nine informal settlements in the Deep South to improve access to safe drinking water.
- Community leaders in areas like Water Works and Marikana say the project brings hope to families who go days without running water.
Johannesburg Water has launched a new underground water project to help informal settlements that still struggle with poor water supply.
The pilot, done with Wits Enterprise, will focus on nine informal settlements in the Deep South, including Water Works, Marikana and Kokotela, where work has already started.
Next, the project will move to Phumla Mqashi and Narens Farm.
Johannesburg Water managing director Ntshavheni Mukwevho said the plan is to drill boreholes and install local water points to give communities direct access to clean water.
“This innovative project is a major step in addressing long-standing water challenges in underserved communities,” Mukwevho said.
He said the project will also ease pressure on the city’s main water network, which has been under strain from illegal connections and rapid population growth.
“Everyone deserves clean and reliable water, no matter where they live,” Mukwevho said.
Joburg Water said the Deep South area has many informal settlements and a high number of illegal connections, which have made it difficult to keep up with demand.
Local leaders have praised the new project.
Water Works community leader Keletso Mbele said families have waited years for a steady water supply. “We are truly grateful to Johannesburg Water and its partners,” he said. “Water is life, and we will protect this project.”
If the pilot succeeds, Johannesburg Water plans to expand it to other informal settlements across the city.
Pictured above: A tap.
Image source: Pexels
