Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 09 October 2025 | 14:30 CAT

Image: Thahasello Mphatsoe/News24

A pioneering groundwater initiative in Johannesburg is offering new hope to residents of informal settlements long plagued by unreliable access to clean water. Led by WITS University’s Dr Khuliso Masindi in partnership with Johannesburg Water and WITS Enterprise, the pilot project taps into underground water sources to improve supply for water-stressed communities across Gauteng.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr Masindi explained that the project aims to prove that groundwater can play a major role in improving water security for Johannesburg’s most underserved areas. “Many residents depend on illegal water connections, which put huge pressure on nearby reservoirs and cause frequent supply interruptions,” he said. “This pilot gives us a chance to provide safe, legal, and sustainable access to water while collecting scientific data to guide future planning.”

The collaboration between Johannesburg Water and WITS Enterprise, he said, bridges the gap between service delivery and science. “Johannesburg Water brings the operational strength, while WITS provides the technical excellence, from hydrogeological studies and water quality testing to designing treatment systems and training postgraduate students,” Masindi noted. “Every borehole and design decision is based on evidence, sustainability, and best practice.”

Describing the project as a “historic step” for the city, Masindi highlighted that it marks the first time groundwater is formally integrated into Johannesburg’s supply strategy, particularly for unplanned settlements excluded from bulk infrastructure. “It helps reduce pressure on overloaded reservoirs and offers a safe alternative for residents,” he said.

Beyond the technical innovation, Masindi emphasised that the project is equally a social equity initiative. “It’s about ensuring every community has access to a reliable and dignified water supply, shifting from crisis response to long-term resilience.”

Once the pilot phase proves successful, the model is expected to expand to other parts of Johannesburg and eventually across South Africa. “The long-term vision is to establish a city-wide live lab network of monitoring wells to provide real-time data, forming part of the city’s groundwater master plan,” Masindi explained.

He added that the initiative’s primary goal is to make Johannesburg more water-secure by integrating groundwater with surface water systems, building resilience against drought, infrastructure failures, and population growth.

“This is not just about drilling boreholes,” he concluded. “It’s about building a sustainable model of groundwater resilience, one that brings water, and hope, to the communities that need it most.”

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Annisa Essack and Dr Khuliso Masindi.