Phumlamqashi Residents Protest
By Lerato Mpembe
On Friday, 17 January 2025, residents of Phumlamqashi, an informal settlement in Lenasia South, marched to Johannesburg Water’s Ennerdale depot to submit a memorandum of demands addressed to Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The community expressed grievances over the provision of unsanitary and contaminated JoJo tanks, which were supplied following the disconnection of illegal water connections.
Health Concerns Arise from JoJo Tank Water
Residents have reported health issues, including diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea, attributed to consuming water stored in the provided JoJo tanks. The tanks were introduced as an alternative water source after Johannesburg Water disconnected illegal connections that had been supplying the settlement. Community members have rejected the use of these tanks, citing hygiene concerns and questioning the water’s origin. One resident stated, “They don’t want JoJo tanks anymore because of hygiene concerns. They want boreholes instead, as we don’t even know where this water comes from.”
Demand for Sustainable Water Solutions
The protesters are advocating for the installation of communal taps or boreholes to ensure a safe and reliable water supply. The dissatisfaction with JoJo tanks is compounded by the belief that these temporary measures are insufficient for the community’s needs. A community leader highlighted that the 66 JoJo tanks provided are inadequate to serve over 17,000 homes in Phumlamqashi. 
Joburg Water’s Stance on Illegal Connections
Johannesburg Water has maintained that illegal water connections strain their ability to supply paying customers and contribute to significant water losses in the city. In November 2024, the utility conducted operations to disconnect unauthorized connections in Phumlamqashi, leading to clashes between residents and officials. During these operations, residents protested the sudden disconnections, stating that the city failed to communicate with community leaders. 
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