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The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Jack Sekwaila, has noted with concern the Democratic Alliance’s unfounded claim that the Brixton project was initiated under its leadership.

It is important to clarify that the Brixton Water Reservoir and Tower project forms part of the City’s long-term bulk infrastructure upgrade programme. This programme originated under the Corridors of Freedom strategic initiative, which was initiated and approved by the ANC-led Council nearly a decade ago. The DA is urged to verify its information and refrain from politicising water infrastructure projects for the purposes of its mayoral campaign.

“I would like to emphasise that the Brixton Water Reservoir and Tower project is part of a broader capital infrastructure programme aimed at strengthening system resilience across key supply zones. Following extensive planning, detailed engineering designs, and the necessary regulatory approvals due to the project’s complexity, construction commenced in July 2023,” said MMC Sekwaila.

“Like any large-scale infrastructure project, the Brixton Water Reservoir and Tower has encountered challenges, including cash flow constraints that affected progress. However, Johannesburg Water remains fully committed to completing the project given its strategic importance within the Commando System supply network,” he added.

Johannesburg Water began testing the reservoir and tower in December 2025 in preparation for commissioning. The final phase prior to commissioning involved comprehensive water quality assessments and system integrity checks. Multiple laboratory tests were conducted to ensure full compliance with the SANS 241 drinking water quality standards.

On 1 March 2026, the laboratory granted final approval, confirming that the water quality meets all required standards for release into the distribution network. Following this approval, the technical team worked overnight to flush and stabilise the system, despite a delay from the previously revised commissioning date of 28 February 2026.

The Brixton Water Tower is now fully filled and stabilised. The next phase will involve the controlled release of water into the network to integrate the facility into the Commando System supply zone.

The commissioning of this infrastructure will deliver several key benefits:

• Increased storage capacity within the Commando System.
• Improved system balancing and pressure management, particularly in high-lying areas.
• Reduced frequency and severity of outages in areas such as Brixton, Crosby, Hursthill, Melville, Emmarentia, Coronationville, Westbury, and surrounding communities.
• Enhanced operational flexibility, enabling Johannesburg Water to better manage peak demand periods.

For residents who have endured prolonged water supply challenges within the Commando System, this development marks a significant step toward long-term supply stabilisation. While commissioning will not immediately eliminate all system constraints, it substantially strengthens the network’s resilience and recovery capability.

In addition, Johannesburg Water recently energised the temporary Crosby pump station. The installation of a new 5 km bulk pipeline, with diameters ranging from 600 mm to 1 000 mm, will increase water volumes within the Commando System. The new Crosby pump station is scheduled for completion by October 2026 and is currently 36% complete.

“In conclusion, I would also like to address the DA’s allegations regarding a so-called ‘water mafia’ within the City, which remain unsubstantiated. The utility has consistently invited any individual or community with credible information to formally report such matters to the South African Police Service for proper investigation. To date, no verified evidence linking such activities to this project has been presented to the City,” MMC Sekwaila concluded.

Issued by the Office of the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department Jack Sekwaila.