by Teboho | Jan 9, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 09 JANUARY 2026
Emergency Water and Electricity Interruption – Yeoville and Surrounding Areas
The City of Johannesburg wishes to inform residents and businesses in Yeoville and the surrounding areas of an emergency situation that has resulted in the temporary interruption of both water and electricity services. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and distress this disruption may cause, particularly given the short notice.
A major burst water pipe has occurred on the main supply line feeding the Yeoville Reservoir. This has already impacted water supply in the area, with customers experiencing low water pressure or a complete loss of water.
To allow repair teams to work safely, the electricity supply in the immediate vicinity of the burst will be temporarily switched off from 22h00 this evening. The damaged water pipe is located extremely close to high-voltage underground electricity cables, and keeping the power on during excavation would pose a serious risk to the lives of personnel on site.
This temporary power interruption is therefore a critical safety measure to protect workers and prevent further damage to essential infrastructure.
Areas affected by the electricity interruption include:
- Yeoville
- Grafton Road
- Fortesque Street
- Harley Street
Areas that may experience low water pressure or no water include:
Yeoville, Bellevue, Observatory, Linksfield, Berea, Doornfontein, Jeppestown, Fairview, Troyville, parts of Kensington, Braamfontein, Parktown, Johannesburg CBD, Newtown, Selby, Forest Hill, Turffontein, Rosettenville, La Rochelle, Turf Club, Kenilworth, Glenesk, Regents Park and Village Deep.
Water reservoir levels in the affected supply zone continue to decline, and pumping operations have been temporarily suspended while emergency repairs are underway.
At this stage, an exact time for full restoration cannot yet be confirmed. However, repair teams are working continuously, with the intention of restoring both water and electricity services by Saturday morning, subject to repair conditions.
Teams from City Power and Johannesburg Water are working closely and in coordination to resolve the matter as safely and efficiently as possible. Residents will be kept informed through regular updates as progress is made.
We thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during this emergency. Ensuring the safety of our communities and the personnel working to restore services remains our highest priority.
Issued by the City of Joburg
For enquiries, kindly send to mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
ENDS
by Teboho | Jan 5, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
5 January 2026 – 15:00
Media Statement
Johannesburg Water is ready for the final phase of Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water has confirmed its full operational readiness for the final phase of Rand Water’s scheduled maintenance programme, aimed at improving the reliability and sustainability of the bulk water supply system.
The third and final leg of Rand Water’s planned maintenance on their systems is scheduled to take place from 6 January 2026 at 04:00 until 8 January 2026at 08:00.
This last step of the maintenance forms part of Rand Water’s long-term infrastructure investment programme and is designed to strengthen system capacity, reduce unplanned outages, and enhance water security across Gauteng.
The Johannesburg Water systems expected to be impacted during this phase include:
- Meadowlands Reservoir and Direct Feeds: Meadowlands (all zones & extensions), Tshepo Themba, Dube, Central Western Jabavu & Ext. 1, Mofolo Central & North, Orlando West, Zondi, and Mmesi Park.
- Doornkop Reservoir and Direct Feeds: Dobsonville Gardens, Dobsonville (all extensions), Lufhereng (all extensions), Protea City, Protea Glen (all extensions), Thulani (all extensions), Doornkop(all extensions), Green Village, Slovoville (all extensions), Tshepisong(all extensions), and Leratong Village.
- Bramfischerville Reservoir 1&2 and Direct Feeds: Braamfischerville (all extensions), Mmesi Park, Durban Deep, Sol Plaatjies, and Goudrand.
- Roodepoort Deep: Hamberg, Rand Leases (all extensions), Discovery Ext. 9, Georginia, Roodepoort, and Creswell Park.
- Fleurhof Reservoir: Lea Glen, Fleurhof (all extensions).
Due to the interconnected nature of the systems, a secondary impact may occur in the other neighbouring areas.
During maintenance, the volume of bulk water supplied to JohannesburgWater’s network will be significantly reduced. As a result, affected reservoirs will gradually deplete, and residents may experience low water pressure or no water.
Johannesburg Water has implemented comprehensive preparedness measures to minimise the impact of the maintenance on residents and businesses. “The City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with Johannesburg Water and RandWater, has implemented extensive operational and contingency plans to reduce the impact of this maintenance. Reservoir levels have been managed in advance, response teams are on standby, and alternative water will be supplied to affected communities through stationary and roaming tankers during both the maintenance and recovery periods. We assure residents that communication is a priority,” says City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Mr Dada Morero.
“The City and Johannesburg Water will provide regular updates through councillors, official platforms, and customer notices to ensure communities receive accurate and timely information. We acknowledge the inconvenience this maintenance will cause to households, businesses, and institutions across Johannesburg. However, this work is essential to safeguarding the City’s long-term water security. We will continue to work with Rand Water and key stakeholders to manage this maintenance, prioritising our residents’ interests.
” After maintenance ends and pumping resumes on 8 January 2026, JohannesburgWater’s infrastructure will require at least 3 – 5 days to fully recover. Although direct feeds are the first to lose water, they are, however, the first to recover when pumping resumes.
Ends
Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing
