By Khaya Ndaba
Johannesburg residents in many parts of the city were left in a state of panic and frustration as their water supply was cut off on Wednesday night without any warning.
On the west side of the city, residents are used to an unreliable water supply. But the water cuts that carried on until Thursday morning — and beyond — hit some areas for the first time.
According to a statement from the office of the mayor, a pump failure at the Elkenhof pump station caused critically low levels of water pressure in multiple reservoirs across the city.
The lack of water supply prompted residents to find alternative sources of water. Many were forced to queue for hours to fill up buckets from any available water sources, including car washes.
The situation was so dire that even local businesses were affected, including food outlets like kota stands, and many closed down. A kota business owner revealed, “I can’t make my chips without water, I need to keep them fresh. Without water, they will rot or turn brown.”
This situation has led to further questions about the safety of the water supply in Johannesburg, particularly in light of a recent cholera outbreak that has affected many residents.
The situation is still ongoing, with water supply currently restored in only a few areas including Yeoville, Kensington, Bezuidenhout Valley, Bertrams, Jeppe, and the inner city of Johannesburg.
To aid those without access to water, Johannesburg Water has placed roaming tankers and stationary water tanks in various areas throughout the city.
While the situation is far from ideal, residents are hopeful that a more permanent solution will soon be put in place to ensure their basic needs are met.
Pictured above: Buckets of water being filled around Johannesburg
Image source: Khaya Ndaba
