Water tanker at private pool raises questions amid Lenasia South shortages

By Nuala Justen & Andile Nkosi
Globe Post Interns (UJ Students)

Pictures: Nuala Justen

Residents of Lenasia South are questioning the use of water tankers after a tanker was allegedly seen filling a swimming pool at a private home on Lancaster Street on Thursday morning, while parts of the area continued to experience water shortages.

The incident was captured on video by vigilant resident Preetam Mangar, who was driving past when he noticed suspicious activity at the property. He spotted a pipe running from the tanker into the premises, allegedly supplying water to a swimming pool.

The incident has sparked frustration as residents continue to battle intermittent water supply, recurring pipe bursts and ageing infrastructure.

Ward 120 committee member for service delivery and infrastructure Joy Govender said the situation was particularly concerning because requests for tankers to assist residents affected by water outages had not been successful.

“I requested a water tanker last Thursday and was told there were only two tankers available. My question is, how can a private home get water to fill a pool while paying residents are struggling without water?” Govender said.

Resident Preetam Mangar, who witnessed the incident, said residents tried to establish why the tanker was at the property.

“We filmed the truck and asked what was happening, but we did not get an answer. We have no water most of the time, but people get water for a pool. It is unfair,” Mangar said.

The tanker was reportedly unmarked, and it has not yet been confirmed whether it belonged to Johannesburg Water or another service provider.

The controversy comes amid continuing infrastructure problems in Lenasia South Extension 1. Residents have reported a recurring pipe burst on Dover Crescent, while an overflowing drain has also been reported around Devon Crescent and Grosvenor.

According to residents, some of these problems have returned despite previous repairs, leaving affected households frustrated over the continued deterioration of water and sanitation infrastructure.

The matter has also been brought to the attention of Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Jack Bloom as residents seek clarity on the allocation and use of water tankers during shortages.

By the time of publication, Johannesburg Water had not responded to questions regarding the tanker or the concerns raised by residents.