{"id":28473,"date":"2025-09-11T12:58:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=28473"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:52:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:52:11","slug":"johannesburg-water-revives-commando-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/johannesburg-water-revives-commando-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Johannesburg Water Commits R800m to Revive Commando System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Johannesburg Water has pledged a major investment of R800 million to upgrade and revitalise the struggling Commando water supply system, which serves large parts of west Johannesburg. This substantial funding aims to resolve long-standing infrastructure problems that have left many communities vulnerable to water interruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/vaal-dam-levels-rise-2025\/\">Vaal Dam Levels Rise Sharply, Marking Major Turnaround from 2024<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#the-critical-role-of-the-commando-system\" data-level=\"2\">The Critical Role of the Commando System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#infrastructure-challenges-facing-the-system\" data-level=\"2\">Infrastructure Challenges Facing the System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#major-infrastructure-projects-underway\" data-level=\"2\">Major Infrastructure Projects Underway<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#expected-benefits-of-the-investment\" data-level=\"2\">Expected Benefits of the Investment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#part-of-a-broader-infrastructure-plan\" data-level=\"2\">Part of a Broader Infrastructure Plan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#water-conservation-measures-continue\" data-level=\"2\">Water Conservation Measures Continue<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#community-impact-and-engagement\" data-level=\"2\">Community Impact and Engagement<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#looking-ahead-securing-water-for-growing-demand\" data-level=\"2\">Securing Water for Growing Demand<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-critical-role-of-the-commando-system\">The Critical Role of the Commando System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Commando system is a key part of Johannesburg\u2019s water infrastructure, supplying water to areas including Brixton, Mayfair, Westbury, Melville, Coronationville, and Sophiatown. It supports critical facilities such as Rahima Moosa and Helen Joseph hospitals, and the University of Johannesburg. Its reliability is essential for residents, businesses, and public institutions in these diverse urban communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Water Protests | Situation tense in Westbury and Coronationville\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2L4AS13ZkTg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/2L4AS13ZkTg?si=ehVpCehXUJOXGuJQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2269682061\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"infrastructure-challenges-facing-the-system\">Infrastructure Challenges Facing the System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Johannesburg Water has identified insufficient bulk infrastructure as the primary challenge. The system currently lacks adequate reservoirs, bulk water mains, and pump stations. These deficiencies make the system prone to service interruptions and lengthen recovery times after outages. Some reservoirs are operating on bypass due to leaking issues, further straining water delivery in affected zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"major-infrastructure-projects-underway\">Major Infrastructure Projects Underway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The R800 million investment programme <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/news\/south-africa\/johannesburg-water-injects-r800m-into-struggling-commando-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">includes several<\/a> critical projects. A new 26-megalitre Brixton Reservoir and a 2.2-megalitre tower are nearing completion and are scheduled to be commissioned by October 2025. Additionally, a new bulk line of 4.5 km with diameters ranging from 600mm to 1000mm, and two new pumping stations are planned for completion by the end of 2026. Reservoir refurbishment projects at Hurst Hill 1 and Hurst Hill 2 are underway, addressing leaks and structural repairs to improve system resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757587267-724x1024.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-28493\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JHBWater\/status\/1965718946105245706\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-408398306\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"expected-benefits-of-the-investment\">Expected Benefits of the Investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These improvements aim to alleviate the system\u2019s sensitivity to interruptions and reduce the frequency and duration of water outages that many residents have endured for years. Increasing storage capacity and upgrading bulk supply infrastructure will help meet growing demand and provide more consistent service. These investments are expected to support local economic activity and improve the quality of life in serviced communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"part-of-a-broader-infrastructure-plan\">Part of a Broader Infrastructure Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Commando system upgrade forms part of Johannesburg Water\u2019s wider 10-year, R32.5 billion capital investment plan to maintain, <a href=\"https:\/\/siwnews.com\/2025\/09\/10\/johannesburg-water-invests-r800-million-to-strengthen-commando-system-infrastructure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">refurbish, and expand<\/a> the city\u2019s water and sanitation infrastructure. For the 2025\/26 financial year, Johannesburg Water has allocated R1.7 billion for infrastructure projects, up from R1.29 billion in the previous year. This plan includes extensive pipe replacement programmes, leak detection and repair, and new reservoir construction across Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3841346341\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"water-conservation-measures-continue\">Water Conservation Measures Continue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Johannesburg Water emphasises the importance of continued water conservation. Residents are urged to observe Level 1 water restrictions and use water responsibly. These conservation efforts complement the upgrade projects by reducing overall demand and preserving the improved system\u2019s capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"community-impact-and-engagement\">Community Impact and Engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reliable water supply is a fundamental service that directly affects public health, economic growth, and social wellbeing. Johannesburg Water\u2019s significant investment signals a strong commitment to addressing historical service delivery challenges. The utility encourages community cooperation and patience as extensive upgrade works proceed to restore durable and equitable water access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELEVANT ARTICLE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/johannesburg-city-infrastructure-upgrade-plans\/\">Johannesburg Water Outlines Comprehensive Plans to Improve Water Supply<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-836734262\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"looking-ahead-securing-water-for-growing-demand\">Securing Water for Growing Demand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As urban populations and water demand continue to rise, Johannesburg Water\u2019s upgrades to the Commando system form a vital foundation for future resilience. The new infrastructure and ongoing maintenance programmes position the city to better handle fluctuations in water availability, climate variability, and resource pressures. Continued investment and innovation will be essential to sustainably serve Johannesburg\u2019s residents and strengthen the city\u2019s water security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Joburg Water working to resolve ongoing water supply interruptions: Gugulethu Quma\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PQ3VzbjOn0I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PQ3VzbjOn0I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Johannesburg Water invests R800 million to resolve infrastructure challenges in the Commando system, improving water reliability for west Johannesburg communities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":28496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Johannesburg Water invests R800 million to resolve infrastructure challenges in the Commando system, improving water reliability for west Johannesburg communities.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[1156,4812,588,1799,1766],"class_list":{"0":"post-28473","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-johannesburg-water","9":"tag-johannesburg-water-infrastructure","10":"tag-water-conservation","11":"tag-water-crisis","12":"tag-water-supply"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28473"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28494,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28473\/revisions\/28494"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}