Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Announces R760 Million Investment to Fix Water Shortages Affecting Johannesburg Residents

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced on Monday during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) that the provincial government has earmarked R760 million to fix persistent water shortages.

This massive investment aims to upgrade infrastructure and prevent the kind of supply interruptions that have left Johannesburg residents without running water for days.

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Residents Bear the Brunt of Ongoing Water Crisis

Communities across the province—including Soweto, Melville, Westdene, and Midrand—have faced repeated water outages in recent weeks.

The shortages have affected daily life, from basic hygiene to household chores, leaving many frustrated and anxious.

Lesufi emphasized that the province’s water issues stem primarily from ageing infrastructure rather than an actual lack of water in the reservoirs.

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Phased Infrastructure Upgrades to Bring Relief

The R760 million will be rolled out in phases.

The first phase focuses on quick fixes that can immediately ease the pressure on water supply: a new ground reservoir launching this Saturday, a water tower in Brixton going online next Tuesday, and the installation of an emergency boosting pipeline section.

Lesufi stressed the importance of storage: “Water storage facilities are the future.

Even if we face sudden surges in demand or technical glitches, these reservoirs will ensure water continues to flow.

Our goal is to maintain at least seven days of supply for the province.”

The long-term plan includes the construction of a five-kilometre pipeline and a 20 million-litre storage facility in Midrand, which Lesufi promised would prevent residents from “losing water again in their lifetime.”

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Controversy and Public Apologies

The premier recently faced criticism after comments he made about having to shower at a hotel due to water shortages were interpreted as insensitive.

Lesufi apologized, clarifying that his intent was never to suggest a disparity in impact based on social standing.

“The Premier acknowledges that his statement… may have been interpreted in a manner suggesting the impact of water challenges differs based on one’s position in society.

This was never his intention,” his office said.

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Tackling the Ageing Infrastructure Problem

Experts note that Gauteng’s water crisis is not unique to Johannesburg—many urban centers in South Africa are grappling with old pipelines, leaky reservoirs, and outdated pumping systems.

Investment in modern storage and delivery infrastructure is widely regarded as essential to prevent future shortages, especially given the province’s rapid population growth and increasing demand.

Lesufi’s plan is in line with global best practices, prioritizing resilient water storage systems to cope with both infrastructure failures and climate-related stress on water resources.

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What’s Next?

Gauteng residents can expect to see the first tangible benefits of this R760 million investment in the coming weeks, starting with the ground reservoir and Brixton tower.

Authorities will monitor these installations closely to ensure immediate relief.

Over the next several months, the focus will shift to the long-term projects, including the five-kilometre pipeline and the Midrand storage facility.

Meanwhile, the government will likely continue public engagement to rebuild trust after recent criticisms and reassure citizens that water reliability is a top priority.

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Summary

By Cebelihle Bhengu

Published: 09:31 EST, 24 February 2026

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled a R760 million plan to fix the province’s water infrastructure, addressing chronic shortages affecting Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

The investment includes a phased rollout of reservoirs, towers, and pipelines, with immediate relief expected within days and long-term solutions set for completion later this year.

Public backlash over previous remarks by the premier has prompted clarifications and an apology, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding water access in the province.