Johannesburg Water, in partnership with Wits University, has launched a pioneering pilot project aimed at improving access to reliable water supply in informal settlements through the use of underground water sources.

This project will be the first of its kind to improve water supply for informal settlements throughout the City of Johannesburg.

The pilot phase, targeted at nine informal settlements across the Deep South, involves the drilling of boreholes and the creation of localised water distribution points.

Spokesperson for Joburg Water Nombuso Shabalala says, “The pilot phase, targeted at nine informal settlements across the south of Johannesburg will be the first of its kind to improve water supply for informal settlements in the city. Work has begun at the water works, Marikana, and Kokotela informal settlements; and next, the project will move to the Phumla Mqashi and Narens Farm informal settlements. The Deep South is an area with a high volume of informal settlements and illegal water connections, which has put a strain on the deep south systems due to the demand exceeding available supply and capacity.”

Ntshavheni Mukwevho, MD of Johannesburg Water: We are excited and grateful to the team diligently leading this initiative, and we encourage the community to continue safeguarding the infrastructure moving forward. https://t.co/sH9ShUWoWF

— Johannesburg Water (@JHBWater) October 7, 2025