Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has unveiled a R760 million infrastructure investment plan aimed at addressing Johannesburg’s water shortages as part of broader development commitments outlined in his 2026 State of the Province Address.
The plan includes upgrading water infrastructure through the construction of a new ground reservoir and water tower in Brixton, the installation of an emergency booster pumping station, and the development of a 5km pipeline expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Lesufi said the investment is intended to tackle the root causes of water disruptions in the city.
“The challenge is not water availability, but the interruptions caused by infrastructure failures, leaks and high-demand peaks,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi Unveils R760 Million Plan to End Johannesburg’s Water Crisis
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a R760 million infrastructure upgrade aimed at tackling Johannesburg’s persistent water shortages by fixing the root causes of ongoing disruptions.
The investment,… pic.twitter.com/biaQrf73kM
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) February 24, 2026
The province also allocated funds to improve housing and public services, including the construction of nearly 7,000 homes, release of more than 3,600 serviced stands this financial year, and a 2,500-strong youth workforce to repair broken taps and public toilets.
On economic development, Lesufi said R27 billion in foreign direct investment had been secured, with R73 billion in projects moving from commitment to implementation, potentially creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Panyaza Lesufi Says Gauteng Turning R312 Billion Pledges into Projects, 114,000 Jobs on the Way
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says Gauteng is turning investment pledges into real projects, with R73 billion of the R312 billion announced at the province’s inaugural Investment… pic.twitter.com/lHw9wpE48W
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) February 24, 2026
Crime reduction efforts were also highlighted, with authorities identifying 392 crime kingpins and arresting 101 of them. These actions, Lesufi said, contributed to declines in property crime, murder and sexual offences.
Lesufi concluded by urging the public to judge his administration on its ability to deliver infrastructure, economic growth and improved services across Gauteng.
Watch below (Courtesy of SABC News)
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
