DA Slams Alleged R4 Billion Reallocation Amid Johannesburg Water Crisis

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has taken aim at Mayor Dada Morero’s administration over allegations that R4 billion meant for Johannesburg Water was reallocated while large parts of the city continue to face crippling water shortages.

DA accuses mayor of “recklessness”

Speaking on behalf of the party, DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku called the alleged diversion of funds a “disgrace” that showed “total recklessness” by the mayor.

“While residents across the City are forced to queue at water tankers, the Mayor diverts money that should have been used to fix the root causes of Johannesburg’s collapsing water system and decaying infrastructure under his nose,” she said.

The DA has positioned itself firmly on the side of residents, stressing that it will fight to ensure every rand allocated to Johannesburg Water goes into repairing infrastructure rather than being used for what it called “vague obligations.”

City dismisses claims

The City of Johannesburg has rejected the allegations, insisting that no money was diverted.

City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said the R4 billion figure referred to future investment targets linked to the municipality’s long-term Water Management Strategy, not current or missing funds.

“It is not a sum that has been diverted or is missing. It is simply an estimate of what is needed over time,” Modingoane explained.

He stressed that the City remained committed to addressing water challenges, prioritising urgent upgrades, and keeping residents updated.

Water crisis sparks unrest

The controversy comes amid growing frustration over service delivery failures. Several neighbourhoods have endured extended dry taps, with protests erupting in areas such as Westbury and Coronationville.

Mayor Morero is expected to return to these communities this week to check whether his promise of a stable water supply has materialised.

Mismanagement under the spotlight

Experts have repeatedly warned that Johannesburg’s water system suffers from years of neglect and mismanagement, contributing to leaks, backlogs, and infrastructure failures.

The DA argues the alleged fund shift reflects deeper governance problems, while the City maintains it is focused on long-term solutions.

For residents, the political back-and-forth offers little comfort. As protests continue and tankers line the streets, many households remain caught in the middle of a crisis that shows no quick fix.

{Source: IOL}

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