Water crisis spills over

FORUM: THREATENS QUALITY OF LIFE, ECONOMIC STABILITY IN JOBURG >>> Mismanagement, neglect, corruption cited as causes.

- Yvonne Grimbeek

TIPPING POINT. Residents of Mayfair West, Crosby, Brixton, Fordsburg and Vreda Park picket outside the City of Joburg council chambers in Johannesburg recently, claiming they have had water disruptions for years.

(Picture: Nigel Sibanda)

Ahead of a planned water protest on 1 November, water activists, community groups and residents are calling on the City of Joburg to address a series of demands to protect the water infrastructure.

"As water activists, we cannot remain silent any longer," said Ferrial Adam, spokesperson for the Water Forum.

"The City of Joburg, South Africa's economic and financial hub, stands at a critical crossroads. As the most populous city in the country, its deteriorating water infrastructure and management have brought it under scrutiny.

"Years of neglect, mismanagement and corruption have plunged the city into a water crisis that threatens its residents' quality of life, economic stability and future."