Lesufi announces R760m upgrade to fix Joburg water crisis

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has blamed infrastructure failures as the main reason behind the ongoing shortages in Johannesburg. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has blamed infrastructure failures, leaks and high-demand peaks for thewater shortage crisisin Gauteng, and has announced a R760 million infrastructure upgrade in the City of Johannesburg, which has been hard hit by outages. Lesufi made the remarks during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Monday night.

Service delivery across the province remains under strain, with many townships and informal settlements grappling with water shortages, recurring power outages, crime and deteriorating roads. Parts of Johannesburg have been without water for days, affecting residents and forcing small businesses to dig deep into their already strained pockets to continue operating. The city has long faced water supply challenges, with residents frequently left without running water. Recently, frustrated residents in Midrand, one of the hardest-hit areas, took to the streets last month after being without water for more than 10 days.