蜜芽传媒

The city of Johannesburg and the surrounding area is experiencing serious water shortages, with some areas going without water for two weeks. While all areas have had low water pressure, poorer areas and townships have faced complete cuts, forcing schools to shut. Residents have taken to the streets in protest.

South African journalist Verashni Pillay says the main problem is lack of maintenance, with about a third of the water supply lost through leaking pipes.

"One of the residents who recently marched on Johannesburg's water department told media outlets that they either have electricity or water, they never have both together... It's easier to ignore poorer people than it is to ignore rich, powerful people in our country."

(Photo: Libray photo of residents of Zandspruit township collecting water from a communal tap. Credit: AFP)