The City of Johannesburg has restored water supply to several areas following recent outages, but suburbs like Midrand continue to face dry taps, impacting residents, small businesses, and schools. Mayor Dada Morero, in an interview, detailed the causes of the crisis and announced major infrastructure investments while also addressing internal political tensions.
Water Restoration Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
Mayor Morero stated that the recent problems stemmed from a leak in a Rand Water reservoir, which required isolation and repairs starting January 26th. He confirmed that the leak was fixed by Monday evening, allowing pumping to resume into the city’s reservoirs.
While supply is improving in some zones, recovery is uneven. The Mayor reported that the President Park reservoir had recovered to 50% but dropped below 30% by Tuesday evening due to peak demand. The Grand Central reservoir, supplying areas like Glen Houghton, remains critically low.
As a stopgap measure, Joburg Water has deployed three water tankers across 11 wards in the Midrand area. The Mayor acknowledged the arrangement has been challenging due to initially low reservoir levels for sourcing.
Long-Term Infrastructure Investment
Admitting to periodic systemic failures, Mayor Morero outlined a significant infrastructure program aimed at permanent solutions. He specifically highlighted developments in the Midrand area, which has seen substantial population growth.
“We are bringing more, about four reservoirs and about three towers,” the Mayor said. One tower is near completion and will be commissioned soon. He stated this new infrastructure would add 75 million liters of storage capacity to the network. Furthermore, he mentioned a broader process with the National Treasury on service delivery reforms to fund the refurbishment of aging pipes and systems.
Political Clash Over Bus Service
The interview shifted to a public clash between the Mayor and the MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene. Kunene has publicly called for Morero’s resignation, alleging the city spends R9.2 million monthly on suspended Rea Vaya buses.
Mayor Morero dismissed the figure as inaccurate, promising consolidated numbers would be provided later. He sharply criticized Kunene’s conduct, calling it “unacceptable” and an act of “undermining and disrespecting the office of the executive mayor.” Morero revealed he had written to Kunene, asking him to explain his allegations privately, but the MMC had not complied.
While refusing to be drawn into specifics, the Mayor affirmed the city’s commitment to the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system, calling it an “important legacy” project. He acknowledged financial troubles at the operating company, Piotrans, due to past mismanagement, and said the city was engaging with various bus operators to ensure service continuity.
Clarification on Deputy Mayor Role
Finally, Mayor Morero addressed the recent council resolution to appoint a deputy mayor. He clarified that the role would be an additional title for an existing Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), not a new, separate office.
“The structure does not change. The MMC remains an MMC… it’s just an extra responsibility as and when the mayor is not available,” he stated. He denied there would be significant financial implications, specifically countering suggestions of an extra R1.2 million cost for the position. The deputy mayor would primarily act in the mayor’s absence while maintaining their existing portfolio duties.