EFF GAUTENG STATEMENT ON THE WATER CRISIS IN THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
8 November 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters Gauteng strongly condemns the ongoing water crisis affecting the residents of Midrand, Fourways, Waterfall, Buccleuch, Kyalami, and surrounding areas, which has left thousands without a reliable water supply for nearly a week.
This prolonged water crisis in Johannesburg has become a serious humanitarian issue, impacting the well-being and dignity of reside., particularly the elderly, children, and people living with disabilities. These vulnerable communities cannot rely on the limited, unreliable, and inconvenient supply provided by water tankers, which has only compounded the hardship they face.
While this crisis is partly attributed to recent power failures that have affected the Palmiet Pumping Station, leading to issues in reservoirs and water towers, the root of Johannesburg's water problems lies in years of neglect and a lack of investment in the city's water infrastructure. Johannesburg's decades-old water system has deteriorated due to insufficient maintenance and development, making it increasingly prone to failures. This situation has worsened with the city's growing population, climate changes, and unacceptable technical water losses.
The crisis has been further intensified by the ANC's unethical practice of cadre deployment to the Johannesburg Water Board, appointing individuals without the proper expertise to oversee this vital infrastructure. This political patronage has compromised Johannesburg Water's ability to effectively maintain and develop the city's water systems. Instead of prioritizing skilled and competent leadership, the ANC's cadre deployment policy has turned Johannesburg Water into a tool for political patronage, ultimately failing the reside. who depend on it
The EFF is also deeply concerned by the ongoing blame-shifting between Johannesburg Water, Eskom, and the Municipality. Rather than taking accountability, politicians and officials are engaged in finger-pointing and misinformation, leaving communities confused and frustrated. Johannesburg Water, in particular, has consistently failed to provide clear and transparent communication, frustrating both the public and representatives who rely on accurate information to support their constituencies and restore trust.
The Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng stand in solidarity with Johannesburg residen. and fully understand the frustrations caused by this crisis. We will continue to engage and hold accountable the executives and offidals in the water department. The EFF calls on Johannesburg Water to urgently prioritize system maintenance and infrastructure development.
The EFF calls on Johannesburg Water to take lessons from the City of Ekurhuleni Department of Water and Sanitation led by the EFF, in building energy capacity in pump stations, reservoirs and towers in order to avoid overreliance on Eskom to dispense water to communities.
Statement issued by EFF Gauteng, 8 November 2024
