Residents of Itsoseng Marikana in Ward 100 have been urged to stop dumping waste near the community water tank, as growing litter around the site may pose serious health risks to residents who depend on it for daily water supply.
The JoJo water tank, which serves the Marikana community, has reportedly been operating while surrounded by garbage and waste, raising concerns about hygiene and water safety. Community members fear that the situation could negatively affect residents who rely on the tank for clean and safe water.
Ward 100 Councillor Lyborn Ndou said he was not previously aware of the situation but has committed to escalating the matter to Johannesburg Water for assessment and maintenance.
“I will escalate the matter to Johannesburg Water so they can assess and maintain the tank,” said Ndou.
“Due to numerous service delivery demands from different communities, I cannot confirm the exact timeframe, but the matter will be attended to and the tank will be replaced if necessary.”
Ndou encouraged residents to report poor service delivery issues to his office and to demand clean and safe water infrastructure in their communities. He also stressed the importance of hygiene and community responsibility in maintaining water facilities.
“Residents should stop littering and take responsibility for keeping the water tank environment clean. Clean and safe water is a basic human right,” he added.
Community influencer Kgabi Meso also urged residents to take responsibility for their environment and stop dumping waste near the water tanks.
“We have spoken to community members several times and asked them to stop dumping garbage near the JoJo tanks, but there has been little response. The community must act responsibly and protect their environment,” she said.
Meso added that community leaders have been working closely with Johannesburg Water representatives who regularly monitor and service the tanks, including cleaning them twice a month and fixing leakages when necessary.
“This time we should not blame Johannesburg Water, because they have been cleaning the tanks regularly. The responsibility also lies with the community to stop littering and keep the area clean,” she said.
Johannesburg Water was expected to collect the JoJo water tank on Tuesday, 24 March, for proper maintenance. However, representatives were not available for comment at the time of publishing.
Community leaders continue to call for hygiene awareness campaigns and stronger community cooperation to ensure safe and clean water for all residents.