Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is deeply troubled by the ongoing water crisis affecting the residents of Coronationville, Claremont and Westbury in Johannesburg. The UDM is gravely concerned because water is a basic human need and a constitutional right.
We are actively engaging with the relevant authorities and departments to address this crisis urgently by deploying water tankers to these communities.
This will ensure residents access water for their daily needs while working towards a permanent resolution.
We are also investigating the root causes of this water shutdown including the ongoing maintenance challenges with the Hurst Hill and Brixton reservoirs.
The UDM believes that swift action is needed to restore dignity to the people of Coronationville, Claremont and Westbury.
We call on the City to prioritise this matter, communicate transparently with the affected residents and provide timelines for when water supply will be fully restored as residents spent six days without water.
Residents even took out to the streets showing off their frustrations barricading with stones.
As the UDM, we also make a call to Johannesburg residents to adhere and observe to Level 1 Water Restrictions implemented from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025 as the city is grappling with water shortages.
The following is prohibited between 6am and 6pm: Watering gardens, washing driveways, washing cars as well as filling up swimming pools.
