The authorities of Johannesburg, South Africa, need to urgently respond to the basic needs of residents.

Development Diaries reports that about 80 residents of the east of Johannesburg recently marched over water outages and unreliable electricity.

We understand that the residents demanded power, electricity, good roads, and an end to illegal rubbish dumping in their streets.

The water supply in their areas has been inconsistent for over a year, and there have been frequent electricity outages since December 2023.

According to a report by GroundUp, Johannesburg’s water and electricity services were blaming residents when the problem was a lack of maintenance of the infrastructure.

Access to essential services like water supply and electricity is a fundamental responsibility of any municipal authority, especially in a city as populous and significant as Johannesburg.

Without adequate access to clean water, residents are exposed to health risks such as waterborne diseases, which can lead to widespread illness and strain on health care systems.

Similarly, a reliable electricity supply is essential for households to meet basic needs, including lighting, cooking, and refrigeration, as well as power vital services like health care facilities and schools.

Failure to provide these services not only compromises the well-being of residents but also undermines the city’s economic development and social stability.

Development Diaries urges the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality to prioritise investment in infrastructure development and implement policies that support access to essential services.

Photo source: GroundUp