A controversial water tanker contract in Johannesburg persists despite a court ruling declaring it invalid, leaving residents increasingly reliant on private water tankers amid a municipal water crisis.
In Johannesburg, residents are facing a severe water supply crisis, with municipal taps running dry, forcing many to rely on water tankers for their daily needs. This situation has turned tanker use from temporary emergency relief into a routine necessity for the community. Dr. Ferrial Adam, the executive director of civil society group WaterCAN, highlighted the normalization of tanker use, emphasizing that many areas have become so dependent on this service that it is no longer viewed as an emergency option.
The water tanker contracts that are in question were awarded to two little-known companies and are valued at approximately R263 million. These contracts have now been declared "invalid" by the Johannesburg High Court due to a variety of procedural issues surrounding the bidding and awarding process. The ruling raises concerns about transparency and accountability in municipal governance, prompting calls for a complete review of the contracts and their implications on service delivery in the city.
As the situation unfolds, residents are left in a precarious position, often having to pay for private tanker services, which can cost up to R1 per litre, a stark contrast to the municipal rate of R30 for 1,000 litres. This disparity not only deepens the equity gap in accessing water resources but also signifies a broader issue within Johannesburg Water's management practices. With the city grappling with infrastructural challenges and legal uncertainties regarding the tanker contracts, the future of water delivery in Johannesburg hangs in the balance.
