Total 'disrespect’: Local leaders hit out at Joburg Water over communication breakdown

Johannesburg ward councillors have launched a scathing attack on Joburg Water officials, accusing the utility of a fundamental failure to provide residents with basic services. The latest wave of criticism comes as the city’s ongoing water challenges reach a critical breaking point.

Large sections of Johannesburg have been left without water for several consecutive days. The crisis intensified after supply systems came under severe pressure following emergency repair work and operational disruptions at key Rand Water facilities.

While city officials maintain that the restoration process is at an "advanced stage" in certain areas, the ground reality for many remains dire. In Midrand, frustrated residents took to the streets on Tuesday, staging a protest to demand an urgent resolution to the prolonged dry taps.

Ward 132 Councillor Annette Deppe claims that city officials have effectively snubbed local leaders by failing to provide meaningful updates. Deppe argues that this lack of transparency has only served to further incense an already frustrated public.

“You know what? The disrespect they have for councillors is just not acceptable,” said Deppe. “If they think they can run the city on Twitter and Facebook and all those other online services, they've got another thing coming. We have protocol in the city of Joburg. They have to work through the regions and through the councillors.”

The standoff highlights a growing rift between the utility’s technical management and the local representatives tasked with answering to affected communities. As systems slowly recover, the demand for better communication protocols remains at the forefront of the dispute.