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Budget Constraints Affecting Infrastructure Upgrades, Warns Joburg Water

Published

7 months ago

October 11, 2023

budget constraints disrupt joburg water plans

Johannesburg Water, the entity responsible for the city’s water supply, has raised concerns about budget constraints impacting its plans to enhance critical infrastructure. As per EWN, these constraints coincide with ongoing challenges in the municipality’s water supply, with some areas experiencing acute shortages and necessitating the use of water tankers to bridge the gap.

Logan Moonsamy, the senior networks manager at Johannesburg Water, acknowledged the financial limitations that have hindered the entity’s efforts to upgrade and maintain its infrastructure. As a result, the city is grappling with recurring issues in water supply, with certain regions facing severe water shortages.

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The escalating demand for water in Johannesburg has left reservoir levels perilously low, necessitating the deployment of water tankers to meet residents’ needs. Despite these measures, residents may need to prepare for additional disruptions to their water supply.

Moonsamy explained that the extensive infrastructure backlog has further exacerbated the challenges in ensuring efficient water supply. He stressed that addressing these infrastructure gaps requires substantial funding, which is not always readily available. Consequently, Johannesburg Water is prioritising essential projects to manage the situation effectively.

Given the escalating water consumption and the strain on the existing infrastructure, Johannesburg Water has indicated that more stringent water restrictions may be necessary to address the mounting demand. As the city grapples with these complex challenges, allocating sufficient resources to bolster infrastructure becomes increasingly critical to securing a reliable water supply for residents.

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