Key facts
- Johannesburg is losing over a third of its daily water supply.
- Aging infrastructure and burst pipes are the cause of Johannesburg's water loss.
- The water crisis is fueling voter anger ahead of Johannesburg's local elections.
- Wealthier Johannesburg residents are drilling boreholes for independent water solutions.
- Hundreds of residents in east London have been without running water for over seven months.
- Housing association Poplar Harca is delaying repairs in east London.
- A statutory consultation process is cited as the reason for repair delays in London.
- London residents suspect new developments are diverting their water supply.
Johannesburg is grappling with a significant water crisis, losing more than a third of its daily supply due to aging infrastructure and frequent burst pipes. This ongoing issue is intensifying voter discontent as local elections approach, with residents expressing frustration over the unreliable water service. In response to the crisis, wealthier individuals in Johannesburg are increasingly opting for independent water solutions, such as drilling boreholes on their properties to secure a private water supply.