WaterCAN launches project aimed at training students to protect SA water quality

On Saturday, 1 November, Johannesburg’s civil society will gather to peacefully voice their concerns about the deteriorating state of the city’s water infrastructure and the hardships residents face because of it.

The protest action has garnered support from residents’ associations, civic groups, trade unions, ordinary citizens and concerned advocacy groups, says one of the organisers, WaterCAN’s Dr Ferrial Adam.

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Adam says a letter, outlining both the concerns of Johannesburg residents and demands to improve the water situation, has been delivered to executive mayor Dada Morero, the national department of Water and Sanitation, the Presidency and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

“The mayor’s office has indicated that he will attend the protest meeting to hear what the people of Johannesburg are demanding regarding the worsening water crisis.

“This water crisis demands immediate, transparent and accountable action from the city’s leadership. The mayor’s presence and response at the water protest will demonstrate a genuine commitment to listening to, and working with, the people he serves,” Adam says.

More than 130 areas in Johannesburg have experienced some sort of water issue this year, and says Adam, this has deepened into a human rights and economic emergency, crippling essential services, endangering public health, and eroding public trust.

“Millions of residents face daily water interruptions, dry taps, and inadequate sanitation. Hospitals, schools, and small businesses are being forced to operate without this most basic necessity - water. Despite repeated assurances and public commitments, there has been no significant improvement in water access, infrastructure performance, or accountability.

“The people’s right to water, enshrined in Section 27 of the Constitution, is being systematically violated through neglect, mismanagement, and the diversion of public funds. Over the past few years, we have heard many excuses for the lack of water, from too much demand, load-shedding, to vandalism, old infrastructure, and no funds. These may all be true, but for the people on the ground these are mere excuses. We believe that there are solutions to stabilise the system based on the Joburg Water’ Turnaround Strategy,” she says.

Some of the demands submitted to Morero include:

· Transparent appointment processes and term limits to prevent political interference and entrenchment. The inclusion of representatives from key stakeholder groups - including civil society, labour unions, business, technical experts, and community organisations - on Johannesburg Water’s Board.

· Skills and integrity assessments to ensure that board members have the requisite expertise in water management, finance, engineering, and governance, before they are appointed.

· Regular public reports provided by the board on performance, spending, and service delivery outcomes.

· A clear plan and timeline from Johannesburg Water to phase out reliance on tanker supply. The immediate publication of all water tanker contracts, including the cost per tanker per day. A transparent accounting of the total expenditure on tanker services over the past three years. Speedy investigations and referral to relevant law enforcement authorities when there are allegations and evidence provided of corruption. A programme for the installation of piped water to be budgeted for and scheduled in low-income areas and informal settlements.

Adam says the demands to the provincial government include the provision of technical and financial support to stabilise the city’s water network; to provide independent oversight to ensure transparent and affective use of funds and capacity building assistance the strengthen the city and Joburg Water’ ability to deliver reliable services.

The peaceful protest will take place outside the Johannesburg Council chambers, Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein from 10am to noon. Parking is available at the Joburg Theatre and Constitution Hill.

The protest is supported by: Abahlali Freedom Park, Abahlali Base Zola, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, CADE, Climate Justice Coalition, Defend our Democracy, JhbCAN, Joburg Crisis Alliance, Professionals and Business for Change, Region F Civil Society Partnership, Rivonia Circle, Water Crisis Committee, WaterCAN, Xtinction Rebellion and the Yeoville/Bellevue Residents and Ratepayers Association.

For more information contact: info@watercan.org.za; watercrisiscommittee@gmail.comor call Dr Ferrial Adam +27741813197.