Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero Calls for Investigation into Alleged Sabotage Amid Water Crisis

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has requested an investigation by law enforcement agencies into the existence of an alleged audio recording. This audio reportedly captures a conversation about a strategy to destabilize his leadership by prolonging water cuts across the city. This revelation comes during a time when Johannesburg has been grappling with significant water supply issues.

During a press briefing, Mayor Morero updated on the current water situation, stating that the supply had substantially normalized compared to the previous week. However, some areas might still face disruptions mostly due to airlocks, which teams are actively addressing.

The allegations surfaced from a report by The Star, which alleged that two members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), two officials from the African National Congress (ANC), and a Rand Water official were involved in discussions to disrupt the water flow intentionally. Mayor Morero emphasized that these accusations suggest a deeper political agenda aimed at rendering the city ungovernable. He clarified that while he does not possess the recording, the gravity of the accusations made it imperative to involve the authorities.

On the technical front, Johannesburg Water, together with Rand Water, has been making strides in recovering from recent power outages that disrupted water supply. The Mayor acknowledged that there had been three consecutive days of power failures starting February 10, which impacted essential pumping stations. These incidents necessitated comprehensive technical interventions to enhance the resilience of the water supply systems.

Moreover, in response to ongoing consumption demands and to aid system recovery, Johannesburg Water has been implementing rotational water supply reductions, also known as throttling, since November 8 last year. Mayor Morero urged residents to use water sparingly and take advantage of the rainy days to collect rainwater, hinting at the possibility of having to impose Level 2 water restrictions if consumption patterns do not improve.

In addition to water supply challenges, Mayor Morero referenced ongoing investigations into a R263 million water tanker scandal currently under judicial review. This case highlights the broader challenges of governance and accountability the city faces amidst its infrastructural crises.

The ANC in Johannesburg has expressed its concerns regarding the allegations implicating its members and has urged for transparency and accountability. According to Masilo Serekele, the ANC Johannesburg spokesperson, the party is pressing for the recordings to be made public and for the implicated individuals to be held accountable, reflecting their stance against any form of sabotage that could harm the city's governance or its people.

As Johannesburg battles these multifaceted issues, the focus remains sharply on overcoming the immediate water supply challenges, addressing systemic vulnerabilities such as leaks and bursts, and navigating the political implications of the alleged plot to weaken Mayor Morero’s leadership. The coming weeks are crucial as the city awaits the findings from the law enforcement's investigation into the alleged sabotage.