Johannesburg Water says urgent action is required to address the ongoing issue of theft and vandalism of infrastructure.

It says critical assets like pipes, pumps and manholes are frequently targeted, disrupting reliable water supply and sanitation services for residents and businesses in and around the metro.

The water utility says missing manhole covers have led to the loss of lives.

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Tshabalala says the entity spends about R20 000 per day on a jetting machine to clear one blocked sewer line.

“Missing manhole covers for instance have led to the loss of lives, particularly young children. On average Johannesburg Water spends about R20 000 per day on a jetting machine to clear a blocked sewer line where people have disposed of foreign objects in the system. Johannesburg Water is tackling these issues by enhancing security, raising public awareness, and working with law enforcement agencies.”

Meanwhile, City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero last week said that they will need about R200 billion to fix the dilapidating infrastructure of the City as a whole.

This backlog includes, among others, potholes, water and electricity.

Morero also revealed that the City is on a campaign to raise another hundred billion rand in the next five years. He said the intention is to start investing in and maintaining the infrastructure.