City of Johannesburg puts measures in place to deal with water leaks

City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero speaks at a briefing in Braamfontein.

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Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says that while the city is not experiencing any water shortages, it is facing challenges with its water infrastructure due to leaks.

Briefing the media at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Morero says the city has identified several leaks and is working on installing what he calls noise lockers to help address this issue.

He says the city will continue to provide water tanks to informal settlements.

He has, however, emphasised that efforts to disconnect illegal water connections will be intensified.

“Currently around central Randburg and Roodepoort regions we have installed just around 125 of those noise lockers. And by the end of April, we also expect to have completed the commissioning of the lockers and will install an additional 400 by June 2025. And in addition to leak detection, Joburg Water is also focusing on pressure management to reduce water loss and ensure efficient distribution of water throughout the city.”

The city’s leadership has welcomed the establishment of the Presidential Working Group, with seven working streams identified, and alignment work has already begun. pic.twitter.com/NTtYXQ029E

— Executive Mayor of the City Of Joburg (@DadaMorero) March 26, 2025

The City of Johannesburg recognizes public discussions about the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive and reiterates its commitment to a comprehensive and thoughtful approach.

— Executive Mayor of the City Of Joburg (@DadaMorero) March 26, 2025

Meanwhile, Morero says the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is working tirelessly to eradicate vandalism of traffic lights. He says the biggest challenge they have is copper cable theft which inconveniences motorists and residents of the city.

“There is progress in resolving most problematic intersections. So far 35 of these intersections have been repaired. We are also taking measures to reduce the theft and vandalism. Security upgrades including controller box straps and CCTV cameras with intelligent analytics are being installed.”