Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid a complaint with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over water supply disruptions in Joburg, which it described as a “disaster”.
“This morning, I laid a complaint with the SAHRC in Johannesburg about the appalling lack of water for thousands of Johannesburg eastern suburbs residents,” said Jack Bloom MPL and DA Johannesburg East Constituency Head.
“I was accompanied by DA Ward Councillors Carlos da Rocha and Neuren Pietersen.”
They represent Ward 66 and Ward 118 respectively, which include the suburbs of Bezuidenhout Valley, Troyeville, Bertrams, Bellevue, Observatory, Malvern, Kensington, Cyrildene, Bruma and Dewetshof.
“Residents have struggled with erratic water supply, and some have been completely without water for three weeks,” lamented Bloom.
“They try to cope with the trickle that flows at night, or they chase the few water tankers that are around.”
Clr Da Rocha expressed his concern for people without transport who lug bottles for long distances, and the elderly who need assistance to survive.
Clr Pietersen has blasted the disappointing posts from Rand Water and Joburg Water:
“One cannot call it news as there is nothing new. No detail, no analysis, no reasons given, no responsibility taken,” said Clr Pietersen.
“We are just expected to adjust our expectations downwards. Budgets keep on climbing and service delivery declines.
“Absurd deals such as the R263 million water tanker debacle are struck, and the mayor takes a duck. Speaking of the Mayor ‘Do not expect much’ Dada, does anyone know where he is?
“He, and most of his executive did not even fulfil their fiduciary duty to attend council in January on the cusp of this crisis.”
Bloom said the Johannesburg Council is in breach of Section 27 (1) (b) of the Constitution that ensures everyone has the right to sufficient water.
“We handed in hundreds of testimonials from residents about the hardship of water shortages, including difficulties in keeping clean, flushing toilets, preparing food, the effect on families looking after babies and sick people, illnesses picked up, and the extra expense for households and businesses,” said Bloom.
“One example is a townhouse complex in Bruma where residents have paid R1 300 each to bring in private water and install water tanks.
“This cannot go on. People are gatvol.”
Bloom said the SAHRC needs to hold Johannesburg Council accountable and ensure immediate relief for residents affected by 28 out of 61 reservoirs and towers that are critically low or completely empty.
“The DA Gauteng calls on the provincial government to declare a disaster and urgently assist embattled residents with extra water tankers while addressing the underlying causes of the persistent water crisis,” said Bloom.
For its part, Rand Water, which supplies Joburg Water, blames “extremely high” consumption and power failures at pumping stations for supply woes.
Earlier this week, Rand Water called on customers in these metros to reduce their consumption to avoid a system collapse.
