By Palesa Matlala
- Residents from six areas demanded water supply be fixed within one week or the mayor must resign.
- The mayor admits infrastructure is failing and water levels are extremely low across affected communities.
Angry residents from Coronationville and surrounding areas gave Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero a clear demand this week.
Fix the water supply in seven days or prepare a resignation letter.
The mayor met with frustrated community members at Newlands Recreational Centre in Randburg. The meeting followed violent protests since Tuesday where residents clashed with police.
Morero promised people from Westbury, Claremont, Westdene, Newclare, Coronationville and surrounding areas they will have full water supply within a week.
The mayor admitted the city’s water system is struggling badly. Water levels are extremely low across the affected areas.
“Until we get the water levels high, there is nothing we can do,” Morero said. “With all the interventions in place, you will have water.”
His plan includes switching off water supply to other areas at night. This will help speed up repairs in the seven-day timeline.
The city offered 15 water tankers as a temporary solution. But residents refused the offer.
They said water from tanks is not safe to drink. Residents also complained about the “water mafia” who forced them to pay for tank water.
On Facebook, Morero promised the new Brixton reservoir and tower will be ready by October 2025.
Johannesburg Water Managing Director Ntshavheni Mukwevho said the utility supplies 77% of water to Johannesburg and Tshwane.
The company invested R800-million to upgrade the commando system. This system supplies water to Brixton, Mayfair, Westbury and Melville.
Morero called the ongoing protests “unfortunate” as some residents were injured and others arrested.
He said the city will help police investigate the incidents.
Pictured above: The water crisis meeting.
Image source: Palesa Malala
