The AM Check-in | Joburg water crisis: ‘They come rushing with buckets as soon as they see the truck’

Joburg Water is warning residents to use water sparingly as taps are running dry in most parts of the city due to increased consumption. The water shortage is largely due to the heatwave that has hit the country.

Residents have gone days without water from their taps and tankers are supplying water to areas including Naturena, Bertrams, Bezuidenhout Valley and Turffontein.

A driver in Bezuidenhout Valley, who drives an 18,000kl truck, said he cannot stop for food while en route to supply areas.

Mashatile will be accompanied by water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina, her deputy David Mahlobo; Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for infrastructure development, co-operative governance and traditional affairs Jacob Mamabolo and Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya.

Mashatile’s office said the visit forms part of the work of the inter-ministerial committee on water and sanitation, which he chairs.

“If we vote, what is it that we are voting for? For the rich to be richer while we continue to suffer more than 30 years later?” asked 63-year-old Zolisile Sotsu.

“The government claims to be making a life better for all, but where is it when I live like this?”

Sotsu is one of 24 residents in the area who were allocated stands and promised homes in a 2016 development.