Residents say they were left in the dark as water project disrupts daily life
While residents accepted that infrastructure development is necessary, many questioned why they had not been adequately informed before their water supply was interrupted.
For residents living around Scorpion Drive in Lenasia Extension 9, the frustration was not only about taps running dry – it was about feeling left out of a project unfolding in their own neighbourhood.
The Lenasia Rising Sun received complaints from several residents who said ongoing construction linked to a water infrastructure project caused water supply interruptions in recent weeks, affecting streets including Capella, Sagittarius, Corona and surrounding roads.
While residents accepted that infrastructure development is necessary, many questioned why they had not been adequately informed before their water supply was interrupted.
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Their concerns extend beyond the temporary inconvenience. Residents claim there is no project information board on Scorpion Drive explaining who is carrying out the work, why it is taking place, or how long it is expected to continue.
The only visible project board, they said, is located across the road in the Patsing Informal Settlement, leading many motorists and residents to assume the construction is solely for that area.
In response to questions from the Lenasia Rising Sun, Johannesburg Water confirmed that the project, which began on March 6, is aimed at providing a basic water supply to the Patsing Informal Settlement.
The broader project includes the installation of approximately 10 kilometres of water pipelines and 929 standpipes.
Along Scorpion Drive, however, the work was limited to the construction of about 230 metres of pipeline and a connection to the existing municipal water network.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson, Nombuso Shabalala, said the project is not part of a wider infrastructure upgrade in Lenasia but a targeted initiative to provide reliable access to water for residents of the informal settlement.
Addressing communication concerns, Shabalala said Johannesburg Water had undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement before construction commenced.
“Before the commencement of construction, a public participation and project introduction meeting was held on February 20, 2026. The session was led by the ward councillor in collaboration with Johannesburg Water’s Stakeholder Relations Unit and the project team. Residents were provided with an overview of the project, its objectives, the scope of the planned works, anticipated timelines and the expected benefits for the community,” she said.
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She added that when planned water interruptions are required, notifications are issued at least seven days in advance through Johannesburg Water’s official communication channels, while a community liaison officer also conducts door-to-door visits during working hours to notify affected households.
According to Johannesburg Water, the only major planned water interruption required for the project took place on June 23 to connect the new infrastructure to the existing water network.
Shabalala said residents had been notified beforehand and confirmed that no further planned water interruptions are expected before the project’s anticipated completion on July 30.
