Africa: heatwave in Johannesburg, taps dry

The city of Johannesburg, South Africa's economic capital, is currently facing an ever-worsening water shortage, significantly disrupting the daily lives of thousands of residents.

Since the end of last year, certain districts of the metropolis have regularly suffered water cuts due to the maintenance of aging pipes.

Gauteng water treatment company Rand Water has announced that one of its pumping stations will be suspended following a massive power outage, leaving large parts of Johannesburg without water.

The South African Weather Service issued a warning on Monday, following forecasts of severe heat this week, with a peak expected on Wednesday.

With the heatwave encouraging residents to consume more water, authorities have estimated that this will affect the level of reservoirs and contribute to amplifying the water shortage plaguing the city.