Why do Joburg’s taps keep running dry?

Residents of Melville, a suburb of Johannesburg, have been without water for over 50 days this year, leading to protests and deep frustration. The Melville Residents Association (MRA) claims that families cannot meet basic needs such as washing, cooking, and sanitation, and that the elderly and vulnerable are forced to carry heavy water containers.

Despite the City billing residents at ever-increasing rates, water is not being restored promptly due to issues with the Commando water system, which is sensitive to mechanical, electrical, and bulk-supply disruptions. Recent failures, including a pump station outage, have further exacerbated the situation. Johannesburg Water is focusing on restoring supply to affected areas, with longer-term upgrades underway.

The Gauteng Water Security Dashboard reports 50,536 water pipe leaks between June 2025 and June 2026, with the city losing over 207-billion litres of water in the 2025 financial year. The Auditor-General's report attributes these failures to inadequate maintenance planning, poor execution, and insufficient oversight. Evidence from the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) suggests a "profound and systemic breakdown in governance" in Johannesburg, with the water tanker business growing as a substitute for proper infrastructure management.

Critics argue that there is a "water tanker mafia" in the city, and Johannesburg Water has been accused of stripping itself of funds, making it difficult to restore, maintain, or upgrade the water system.