SA's water crisis: Major cities tackle leaks, illegal connections

SOUTH Africa's major metros, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, are tackling water repair and maintenance operations this month as they try to keep its ageing infrastructure afloat while balancing supply disruptions, illegal connections, and financial instability.

- YASMINE JACOBS

Cape Town

From Tuesday until November 5, the City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Department will start its planned maintenance.

It is expected to affect neighbour-hoods from Kuils River to Fish Hoek, Delft, and Woodstock.

Residents have been warned to store water in advance, as scheduled shutoffs could last up to ten hours in some areas. The city’s water team will conduct pipe and valve installations, replacements, and leak repairs.

In a statement, the City of Cape Town said: “The aim is to ensure the future continuity of water supply by addressing the issue of unaccounted-for water”

Johannesburg