The Johannesburg Water utility is facing ongoing challenges in supplying water to residents of the city, specifically those in the Illovo area. A recent maintenance operation, which concluded two weeks ago, has not resolved the issue, and an airlock in the system may be to blame.
After the maintenance, which ended at the Palmiet pump station, water was expected to flow seamlessly to the areas of Sandton, Midrand, South Hills, and Alexandra Park. However, the reservoirs feeding these regions are still struggling to recover fully.
Johannesburg Water’s electro-mechanical manager, Gugulethu Quma, has noted that while some progress has been made, the issue remains significant for residents in high-lying areas of Illovo.
[ Four Police Officers Arrested For Kidnapping, Extortion And Corruption ]
Quma explained that despite some improvements overnight, there are still considerable challenges that need to be addressed.
“Not all the customers within Illovo have water yet,” Quma stated. He emphasized that the high-lying areas are most affected, suggesting the airlock may be preventing adequate water flow to these locations.
Quma also touched upon the financial aspects related to the water supply issue. He highlighted the importance of paying for services, as revenue collection is crucial for maintaining and improving infrastructure.
The decline in revenue collection in Johannesburg significantly impacts the performance of both the city and its water utility.
Encouraging residents to pay for the services they receive will play a big role in addressing the current water supply challenges and investing in better infrastructure.
