Civil society calls for national disaster declaration over Joburg water crisis

JOHANNESBURG – Civil society groups are calling for a clear plan, firm timelines, and urgent national intervention to deal with Johannesburg’s water crisis.

Gathering at Constitution Hill under the People’s Water Forum, organisations called for the crisis to be declared a national disaster.

At the same time, communities like Coronationville supported this call, saying they’ve been without water for two weeks now.

While civil society pushes for national intervention, officials say the system is stabilising.

READ: Joburg water crisis | Municipal planning failures exposed

Johannesburg Water says the overall system has improved slightly, with most reservoirs supplying adequately. 

But it admits the Commando system — which includes Coronationville — remains the worst affected. 

As pressure builds from both civil society and affected communities, the call now is for urgent intervention and clear accountability. 

eNCA’s Nabeelah Shaikh reports.