City officials have announced a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to address the ongoing water crisis, centering on a massive infrastructure investment plan totaling R32.5 billion over the next decade.
The update, provided by Johannesburg Water management, outlined the critical weaknesses in the current system and detailed a timeline for crucial upgrades, some of which will take years to complete.
A central issue identified is the system’s heavy reliance on high water levels in upstream reservoirs. The system struggles to draw water when reservoir levels drop below 40%, a flaw that new infrastructure aims to correct.
Key projects highlighted include the Crosby Bulk Infrastructure Project, which involves constructing a new pump station and pipeline. The project is currently only 8% complete, with a completion date set for December 2026.
In more immediate news, the long-awaited Brixton Reservoir and Tower project is nearly complete. Officials confirmed the facility is in its final testing phase and is scheduled to be commissioned in October 2025, in approximately one month’s time.
Furthermore, a program to refurbish aging reservoirs is underway. A contractor has been appointed to begin work on the H2 reservoir immediately, while work on the H1 reservoir is scheduled to commence in November 2025.
To address water access in informal settlements and curb illegal connections, a localized borehole scheme has been launched. The project, being implemented by Vets Enterprises, will see the drilling of the first boreholes begin before the end of this month.
Looking toward long-term water security, the city is also advancing plans for a treated effluent reuse program. This public-private partnership, with transaction advisors appointed in April 2025, is expected to conclude its feasibility study by May 2026. The project aims to recycle water from the Northern Works wastewater treatment plant.
The managing director of Johannesburg Water confirmed that the R32.5 billion investment plan has been approved by council. For the current financial year, the entity is investing R1.75 billion, a significant increase from historical investments of between R1 billion and R1.2 billion. Key areas of focus include water demand management, with R180 million allocated this year, and increasing storage capacity across the city.
The plan represents the city’s most substantial commitment to date to resolve the persistent water outages that have plagued large parts of Johannesburg, though residents are cautioned that full system stability remains a long-term goal.
