Despite various water challenges facing Johannesburg residents, Day Zero is not on the cards, according to city Mayor Dada Morero.
Morero said interventions were in place to prevent the ongoing water crisis. He also refuted claims that residents will reach a point of no water.
Day zero is a critical point when a city's water supply is forecasted to be nearly exhausted, resulting in dry taps and a significant community crisis.
The city is currently facing a severe water crisis due to ongoing drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change, high levels of non-revenue water, illegal connections, and infrastructure challenges.
On several occasions, residents have been forced to queue outside their homes to get water from roaming water tankers. Some have gone over five days without water in their areas.
This also results in protest actions across the city as well as the province.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Morero pleaded with residents to bear with them as they implemented various restrictions, with potential escalation to emergency stages if the water supply does not improve.
The briefing was held in Brixton where the city and Joburg Water are currently building a reservoir to ease the water burden on residents.
Morero stressed that the entity was addressing more than just the issue of consumption, adding that the unaccounted-for water lost through leaks was equally concerning.
Johannesburg Water has an infrastructure renewal backlog to the value of R26 billion and water infrastructure accounting for R11 billion.
Morero said funding limitations were delaying the eradication of this backlog resulting in further ageing of infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Morero announced that the city will unveil the ‘Vikela Amanzi, Protect our Tomorrow’ campaign to confront the escalating water supply challenge that threatens the communities and the future. This is expected to reduce water consumption, and leaks, and champion the water-efforts.
Furthermore, the city reminded that level-1 water restrictions were currently in place. These are implemented annually from 1 September to 31 March of the following year.
The restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean driveways, and fill up swimming pools and water features.
Morero also urged the residents to work with them to tackle the issue.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics