At a media briefing held on 5 September 2025, the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, addressed the ongoing water and sanitation challenges facing Johannesburg residents.

Acknowledging widespread frustration, Cllr Sekwaila emphasised that supply issues are the result of technical challenges and overconsumption, not deliberate action by Johannesburg Water. He stressed that urgent interventions are underway to stabilise the system, reduce losses, and ensure sustainable supply.

Currently, the City is consuming above its licensed allocation from Rand Water, putting strain on the network. Non-revenue water stands at 48.2%, with physical losses (leaks and bursts) accounting for 26%. To address this, the City is implementing water throttling, Level 1 restrictions, pressure management, pipe replacement, leak detection, and conservation education campaigns.

Key highlights from the Johannesburg Water presentation included:

• Reduced demand: Annual Average Daily Demand decreased by 61 Ml/d between July 2024 and June 2025, showing a 4% year-on-year improvement.
• Short-term measures: Repairs to 232 pressure-reducing valves, installation of smart controllers, and deployment of leak detection loggers.
• Critical system upgrades: Major rehabilitation projects at Crosby, Brixton, and Hurst Hill reservoirs, ensuring improved reliability for hospitals, universities, and affected communities.
• Water augmentation projects: Borehole drilling in nine informal settlements, with geophysical studies already underway and drilling scheduled to begin this month.
• Reuse and reclamation project: A long-term initiative through a Public-Private Partnership to treat wastewater for reuse in irrigation, industry, and potentially potable supply.
• 10-year investment plan: A R32.5 billion infrastructure programme, prioritising upgrades, renewals, and wastewater treatment, with R1.7 billion allocated for the 2025/26 financial year.
• Capital projects: Expansion of reservoir capacity by 80Ml, refurbishment of leaking reservoirs, and accelerated pipe replacement across the city.

Cllr Sekwaila assured residents that Johannesburg Water is acting with urgency, balancing immediate interventions with long-term planning.

“We hear you, we understand your pain, and we are acting with urgency. Johannesburg Water teams are working tirelessly to improve supply, optimise the system, and ensure transparency in our actions,” he said.

Residents and stakeholders can download the full presentation here for detailed insights into Johannesburg Water’s strategy and upcoming projects.