Growing Calls for Joburg Water Board Dissolution Amid Ongoing Water Crisis
Calls for the Johannesburg Water Board’s dissolution are rising due to a severe water crisis, exacerbated by aging infrastructure and high consumption rates. In Durban, patients at a mental care facility are enduring deplorable living conditions, prompting government scrutiny. Meanwhile, a suspect linked to cash-in-transit robberies was shot dead by police during an exchange of gunfire, amidst an increase in related crimes.
Increasing pressure is being placed on the Johannesburg Water Board to dissolve amid an ongoing water crisis impacting multiple parts of the city. Residents have experienced taps running dry for almost two days as a result of soaring demand and deteriorating infrastructure. Critics, such as Democratic Alliance councilor Tyrell Meyers, argue that the current leadership lacks the necessary qualifications to tackle the crisis effectively and insist on appointing merit-based experts in water engineering and distribution.
The water crisis is aggravated by Johannesburg’s high water consumption rates, which not only surpass those of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni combined but also exceed the city’s allocated supply from Rand Water. This situation is further complicated by persistent leakages and aging infrastructure systems that are in urgent need of updates and repairs.
In a separate incident, the Manor Halfway House in Durban has come under fire for providing unacceptable living conditions for its patients. Reports indicate that residents face infestations of rats, bed bugs, and lice, with some opting to sleep outside for safety reasons. The CEO, Mbonisi Sibisi, confirmed that pest control measures have been engaged following residents’ complaints, while also assuring that efforts to replace deteriorating beds are currently in progress.
Critics, including Democratic Alliance spokesperson Shontel de Boer, have urged for a government investigation into the facility’s conditions, stressing the importance of adherence to care standards. Although the Department of Health offers financial support, it has noted that the facility is privately managed, placing pest control responsibility under local governance. The Department of Social Development has stated it was unaware of these issues and plans to conduct an inspection of the center soon.
In a violent incident linked to cash-in-transit robberies, a suspect was killed during a police shootout in Umhlanga after firing at officers who tried to intercept his vehicle. According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshuinda, no police officers were harmed, and a case of attempted murder has been opened against the suspect. This incident highlights an alarming surge in cash-in-transit heists, following a recent spate of related crimes in the area, including one where a woman lost her life.
The Johannesburg Water Board faces increasing calls for its dissolution amid a severe water crisis resulting from excessive demand and aging infrastructure. Meanwhile, the conditions at the Durban mental care facility raise significant concerns about patient welfare. Additionally, a recent police operation against cash-in-transit robbers highlights ongoing violence related to such crimes, prompting community and governmental responses to address these urgent issues.
Original Source: allafrica.com
