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Why do Joburg’s taps keep running dry?

Poor management has caused frequent, prolonged water outages and left many families dependent on water tankers

Residents of Melville and surrounding suburbs, such as Westdene and Sophiatown, protested on Friday, 14 August, about ongoing water outages. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee

Between June 2025 and June 2026, Johannesburg recorded an average of almost 140 water pipe leaks a day.
The City spent at least R650-million over five years on water tankers, which critics say is an unsustainable and expensive emergency substitute for functioning infrastructure.
Meanwhile, billions of rands have been swept from Johannesburg Water’s accounts, raising concerns that it lacks the financial autonomy to maintain infrastructure and pay contractors.

“I am sick and tired of lugging around water containers hoping to find a running tap. It is no way to live,” said Simon Banda from Melville, protesting on…

Read More: Why do Joburg’s taps keep running dry?.

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