Johannesburg Water
Johannesburg Water is expected to begin the construction of a new pipeline on Monday, meant to assist with supplying water to Westbury and surrounding areas in parts of the city, following tense community protests two weeks ago when residents clashed with police over persistent water woes.
Frustrated residents have had to contend with dry taps and intermittent supply for months now, prompting demands for accountability from Joburg Water officials. The utility’s initial response promised restoration within seven days through reduced supply in other areas and the deployment of 21 water tankers, but delays due to high-lying terrain have extended the crisis. The new pipeline, to be built underneath Harmony Street feeding from the Crosby reservoir, is estimated to take three weeks and aims to provide a long-term solution to the affected systems.
Protests and Initial Response: Clashes and Broken Promises
The water crisis reached a boiling point two weeks ago when residents in Westbury and nearby suburbs took to the streets, clashing with police in demands for immediate action. Protests turned violent as demonstrators expressed anger over prolonged outages that have disrupted daily life, including cooking, hygiene, and schooling. “Residents clashed with police over calls for Joburg Water officials to account for the persistent water woes,” reports noted, highlighting the frustration in communities like Westbury, where dry taps have become a norm.
Joburg Water’s first intervention involved reducing supply in unaffected areas to boost reservoir levels in the impacted zones, alongside deploying 21 tankers for temporary relief. However, on the deadline last Thursday, the utility admitted challenges: “It had proven harder than expected to bring back water because the areas in the west of Johannesburg are high-lying.” This admission sparked further outrage, with residents accusing the city of incompetence and neglect.
New Pipeline Project: A Three-Week Solution
As a new measure, Johannesburg Water announced the pipeline construction starting Monday, 22 September 2025. The project will install a pipeline under Harmony Street to connect the Crosby reservoir directly to the affected water systems, aiming to improve pressure and reliability in high-lying areas. “The new pipeline will be built underneath Harmony Street, feeding from the Crosby reservoir to supply water systems that feed water into the affected areas,” officials confirmed. Estimated to take three weeks, the initiative is part of broader efforts to stabilise supply amid ongoing restrictions from Rand Water.
City Power and Johannesburg Water have been under fire for similar issues, with recent substation fires and pipe bursts exacerbating problems. The pipeline is expected to provide relief to Westbury and surrounding suburbs, but critics question why proactive measures weren’t taken sooner.
Broader Water Crisis in Johannesburg: Months of Disruptions
Johannesburg’s water woes have persisted for months, with intermittent supply affecting thousands. High demand, ageing infrastructure, and Rand Water’s throttling have led to depleted reservoirs, particularly in western suburbs. Residents have reported using buckets for basic needs, with health risks from poor sanitation rising.
The city’s response has included tankers and promises of fixes, but delays have fuelled protests. Two weeks ago, clashes saw police using rubber bullets, injuring several. Community leaders demand accountability, with some calling for Mayor Dada Morero’s resignation.
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