Bloom did an oversight visit at the area yesterday and has promised answers. This is a GLOBE POST exclusive interview.
Residents of Lenasia South continue to struggle with prolonged water interruptions despite recurring leaks that send large amounts of water flowing through the streets.
“I saw this yesterday, 10 August, when I visited Lenasia South Extension 1 and spoke to residents about their daily efforts to ensure they have enough water for their basic needs,” said Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom.
According to Bloom, residents told him that water is routinely cut off from 8pm until 3am, with further interruptions during the afternoon. Changing water schedules have reportedly added to the uncertainty, leaving households unsure when their taps will run.
Schools have also reportedly been affected, with Bloom saying he was informed that some have occasionally been forced to close because of water shortages.
While residents deal with dry taps, recurring pipe leaks remain a major concern in the area. During his visit, Bloom said he witnessed three significant leaks within a short distance.
“In one street, there has been an astounding 18 pipe breaks, with pavements broken up and shoddily covered over,” Bloom added.
Editor-in-chief, Shirley Govender, together with the Ward Committee member for Infrastructure for Ward 120, Joy Govender, and some residents met with Bloom, raising concerns about fluctuating water pressure, which they claim has resulted in damaged taps and internal plumbing. Some households are reportedly receiving monthly water bills ranging between R3 000 and R4 000.
Questions were also raised about the impact of infrastructure projects intended to improve water supply in the area.
Bloom told GLOBE POST that residents remain frustrated over the R45- million, 15-megalitre reservoir officially launched in June 2022, which they believe has failed to significantly improve their water supply. Residents have reportedly described the facility as a “white elephant”.
He further questioned the effectiveness of an additional R24-million reportedly spent on a re-piping project in the Liverpool bloc, saying the continued leaks and interruptions warranted further scrutiny.
Bloom said his department would investigate the situation and seek answers from the City of Johannesburg over the recurring leaks and unreliable water supply.
“It is scandalous that one in three litres of water in Johannesburg is wasted through leaks, with ratepayers picking up the bill,” Bloom said.
The ongoing situation has left residents calling for lasting repairs, improved management of water infrastructure and a reliable supply that meets the needs of Lenasia South’s growing population. This is an ongoing story.
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