The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, together with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, and Deputy Ministers Dr Masemola and Mr Mahlobo, today led a ministerial oversight visit to assess the state of water supply in the City of Johannesburg.

The oversight visit was also attended by the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Jacob Mamabolo, and the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero.

The walkabout focused on assessing dam levels and the stability of key water infrastructure to ensure the provision of a sufficient, reliable, and sustainable water supply to communities.

Government has identified the primary cause of recent water supply disruptions as demand exceeding available supply, particularly during the summer period when water consumption increases significantly. While the system is generally manageable during winter, increased summer demand places considerable strain on infrastructure and exposes existing vulnerabilities.

To address these challenges, government is implementing a balanced approach that strengthens both water supply and water demand management.
On the supply side, key projects are underway to increase reservoir storage and pumping capacity. These investments will enhance the resilience of the water system by ensuring additional capacity during unavoidable disruptions, such as infrastructure breakdowns. Processes are also in place to ensure that the water sector is adequately funded to complete these projects and to implement broader turnaround initiatives.

Minister Hlabisa acknowledged the severity of the challenge and noted that government is making progress in stabilising water supply through coordinated action across national, provincial, and local spheres of government. This effort is supported by infrastructure investment and financial assistance. He emphasised that addressing leaks, upgrading ageing infrastructure, and fast-tracking new storage capacity are essential to restoring public and business confidence and securing long-term water sustainability across the country.

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