The Vaal Triangle Residents Face Water Crisis Due to Illegal Connections

VAAL TRIANGLE - The Vaal Triangle is grappling with a severe water crisis as Johannesburg South is losing a staggering 12-million litres of water daily due to illegal connections, with Region G, including Orange Farm, Stretford, and Lakeside, at the heart of the issue. Johannesburg Water’s Regional Manager, Kagiso Manganye, revealed the crisis during a media briefing, highlighting the strain on resources and the financial burden of these activities. The Orange Farm reservoir in the Vaal Triangle alone incurs losses of R1.4-billion annually. With around 40,000 households in informal settlements tapping directly into the water supply, these illegal connections far exceed the allocated supply of 1.4-million litres provided through water tanks. This crisis not only affects legitimate users by reducing water pressure and causing disruptions but also strains the R9-billion annual water budget, with R60-million lost from the region. Efforts to disconnect illegal connections and improve water delivery are ongoing, but collaboration from local communities is essential to safeguard the Vaal Triangle's water future.