D-Day Disappointment: Coronationville Still Without Water as Morero’s Promise Expires
D-Day Disappointment: Coronationville Still Without Water as Morero’s Promise Expires
Natalie Nyathi
Coronationville residents are facing yet another day of dry taps, marking a stark failure of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero to deliver on his promise made just a week ago. On September 11th, amidst escalating protests over prolonged water shortages, Morero assured the community that their water supply would be fully restored within seven days. Today, September 18th, that deadline has come and gone, leaving residents frustrated and feeling abandoned .
The water crisis in Coronationville, Westbury, Westdene and surrounding areas has been ongoing for months, with residents enduring intermittent supply and, in many cases, completely dry taps.
This has led to widespread frustration, impacting basic hygiene, sanitation, and daily life . Protests have erupted, with residents blocking roads and clashing with police.
Morero’s initial response included a pledge to dispatch 15 water tankers to the affected areas as a temporary measure . However, residents have reported that these tankers are insufficient to meet the community’s needs, with long queues and limited supply . Some residents have even resorted to collecting rainwater or walking long distances to fetch water from alternative sources.
Adding to the frustration, ActionSA, a political party, has criticized the city’s handling of the crisis, accusing officials of failed communication and a lack of targeted relief efforts.
The party has taken steps to address the issue, including raising the matter with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and demanding answers from city officials .
The City of Johannesburg has attributed the water shortages to aging infrastructure, increased demand, and infrastructure limitations.
Joburg Water, the city’s water utility, has implemented measures such as throttling (reducing water flow) in other areas to redirect supply and increase reservoir levels .However, these measures have proven insufficient to resolve the crisis, and some residents claim they are not seeing any improvement.
As Morero’s seven-day promise expires with taps still dry, residents are demanding accountability and sustainable solutions .
The mayor is expected to return to Coronationville today to address the community, but he also faces mounting pressure from other quarters .
The Gauteng Housing Crisis Committee is planning a march to his office to protest the water crisis, and Morero is scheduled to appear before Parliament on Friday to explain his plans for addressing the city’s water woes and address allegations of financial mismanagement within Joburg Water.
The situation in Coronationville highlights the urgent need for long-term investment in water infrastructure and a more effective response to the ongoing water crisis in Johannesburg. With residents’ basic human rights at stake, the city faces increasing pressure to deliver on its promises and ensure a reliable water supply for all
