Johannesburg Water Invests USD 5mn to Boost Midrand’s Water Supply with Erand Tower Upgrade

(3 Minutes Read)

Johannesburg Water (JW) is investing USD 5 million (approximately R92 million) in a major infrastructure upgrade to enhance water supply reliability in the rapidly growing Midrand region, including Carlswald, Blue Hills, Kyalami, and Barbeque Downs.

The upgrade focuses on the Erand Tower and Pump Station complex, which currently includes a 25-megalitre (Ml) reservoir, a 9 ML reservoir, and a 0.5 ML elevated tower. With demand increasing in Midrand, the project includes:

• A new 2Ml water tower
• An advanced pump station with four Turbofluid pumps (three in operation, one on standby)
• A backup generator to ensure continuous operation during power outages

Project Manager Pfunzo Mudzanani noted the upgrade is essential for improving storage and supply to higher-lying areas, supporting both current needs and future development. The initiative is part of JW’s broader Reservoir Storage Upgrade Programme, aimed at ensuring 24-hour water storage capacity and reducing service disruptions.

By March 2025, the project had reached 60% completion. JW is working with consulting engineers MPAMOT and contractor Icon Construction. Key features of the upgrade include:

• A 30-meter-high reinforced concrete tower (2 Ml capacity)
• A new pump station with 37-meter head capacity
• Integration of new inlet/outlet pipework, telemetry, cathodic protection, and lightning protection systems

JW CEO Ntshavheni Mukwevho has highlighted Johannesburg’s broader water infrastructure challenges, citing a R27 billion (USD 1.48 billion) backlog. Much of the city’s infrastructure is beyond its intended lifespan, contributing to pipe bursts and system inefficiencies. JW aims to invest R3 billion (USD 164 million) annually over the next decade to modernise the network.

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https://trendsnafrica.com/johannesburg-needs-r221bn-for-infrastructure-overhaul/

The Erand Tower upgrade is expected to greatly improve water reliability in Midrand, aligning with Johannesburg Water’s long-term goal of sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the city’s growing population.