Warning over major ‘December water shutdown’ in Joburg
Water-rights advocacy group WaterCAN has expressed its concerns over Rand Water’s planned maintenance of the Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes pump stations, scheduled from 13 to 16 December 2024.
“The 86-hour project will cause significant disruptions to the water supply, impacting thousands of households during a critical period,” said WaterCAN.
The group said that amid an ongoing Johannesburg water crisis, it calls for the shutdown to be reconsidered or alternatives to be explored to mitigate disruptions.
Rand Water said that the maintenance on its Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes pump stations is being done to improve the plants’ availability, reliability, and efficiencies.
According to details from Johannesburg Water, this maintenance entails:
- Eikenhof Pump Station:
- Maintenance will take place over 86 hours from 07:00 on 13 December to 16 December 2024.
- Customers will experience no water during this period.
- Affected areas include Soweto, Randburg/Roodepoort, Commando, Lenasia, parts of Johannesburg central including Eagles Nest, Crown Gardens, Aeroton and Alan Manor reservoirs.
- Zwartkopjes Pump Station:
- Maintenance will occur over 36 hours from 05:00 on 13 December to 14 December 2024.
- Customers will experience poor pressure to no water.
- Affected areas include Crown Gardens, Eagles Nest Reservoir, Parktown, Berea, Forrest Hill, Alan Manor, Naturena, Aeroton, Orlando East, as well as the Hector Norris Pump Station.
‘Not the right time’
Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager of WaterCAN said that “while we recognise the importance of maintenance to preserve infrastructure, the timing of this shutdown couldn’t be worse.”
“Many communities are still reeling from recent water shortages and protests [and] residents of Johannesburg deserve a break from these repeated disruptions.
“If this maintenance was planned, why has there been no consultation or explanation and communication? Why schedule it for the first long weekend of the festive season?” she added.
Johannesburg’s ongoing water crisis is exacerbated by aging infrastructure, resulting in the city losing almost 30% of its water through leaks in the water pipeline network, reservoirs and pump stations.
Non-revenue water (NRW) is the volume of water that is pumped but for which the municipality receives no income. The target for municipalities in South Africa is less than 25% but the actual NRW is much higher – currently ~46% in Johannesburg.
Over the past month, both national and local water entities have outlined their turnaround strategies, emphasising the need for infrastructure improvements and service delivery.
Adam said that “while these strategies are essential, they lack clear communication and practical details, making it difficult to gain public trust and support.”
“In a context where trust between communities and the government is already strained, a thoughtful and inclusive approach is critical,” she added.
WaterCAN has called on Rand Water and Johannesburg Water to increase transparency about the maintenance.
“The communication and consultation regarding this latest project has only deepened public dissatisfaction,” said Adam.
“As far as WaterCAN could establish, private contractors were hired for the maintenance operation.
“We would like to know who was hired, and if it is possible for this company to postpone this project without penalising Rand Water or charging them for standing time?”
If the project proceeds, WaterCAN urges Rand Water and Joburg Water to engage with affected communities and provide a comprehensive plan to minimise disruptions.
Dr. Adam emphasised that residents should not be left to face additional uncertainty and hardship without clear communication or contingency measures in place.
Johannesburg Water said that it will provide alternative water supply through water tankers in coordination with respective ward councillors of affected regions and provide regular updates.
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