Johannesburg Water’s R1 Billion Debt Sparks Humanitarian Crisis

Johannesburg Water’s debt has now exceeded R1 billion, creating a humanitarian crisis that is leaving thousands without access to water, says WaterCAN.

The organisation warns that financial mismanagement by Johannesburg Water has reached a critical point, directly impacting the city’s most vulnerable communities. What began as a debt of R666 million owed to 203 contractors in September has escalated to R1 billion by the end of October, including R851 million owed specifically to Rand Water.

Despite public assurances of debt reduction and contractor payments during press briefings, the reality tells a different story—one that suggests the public has been misled.

“We have been contacted by activists in informal settlements such as Waterworks and Nana’s Farm, who report that they have no water. Because contractors have not been paid, community water tanks are not being filled. This is a direct result of the city’s financial and infrastructure mismanagement,” said Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Director of WaterCAN.

With less than a week before the G20 Summit, Adam described the situation as not only embarrassing but “a slap in the face” to the poor and vulnerable who are suffering needlessly while at least R1 billion is being spent on hosting the event in Sandton.

“The city’s mayor, Dada Morero, must be held accountable for this immense failure. Instead of addressing the crisis, he is focused on cleaning streets for visiting dignitaries while ignoring the poor and powerless who lack water for even basic needs,” Adam added.

Residents report:

1. Critically low water supplies
2. Unfilled water tanks
3. Complete lack of water service delivery

“This is not just a financial problem – it is a humanitarian crisis. The city’s repeated failures show a shocking disregard for the basic human right to water, particularly for those in informal settlements who depend entirely on municipal services,” said Adam.

WaterCAN demands immediate action:

1. Full transparency of Johannesburg Water’s financial records
2. Immediate payment of outstanding contractor debts
3. Restoration of water services to all affected communities
4. A comprehensive investigation into financial mismanagement

“The mayor and city officials must be held accountable for this systemic failure that directly impacts thousands of residents. Water is a fundamental human right. Johannesburg Water’s continued negligence is unacceptable and requires urgent intervention,” Adam emphasized.

Furthermore, Adam noted that Mayor Morero has failed to respond to questions sent to his office nearly a month ago, including two weeks before the 1 November Joburg Water Protest at Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein.

“Mayor Morero claims he is leading the city toward a better future, yet his inability to meet even generous deadlines for answers is shameful. This is not leadership – it is arrogance bordering on contempt,” said Adam.