The party noted that some residents haven’t had a supply for 70 days.

Like South Africa’s power plants and transport networks, the country’s water supply systems have deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, a lack of planning for population growth, mismanagement, corruption, and political infighting.

In October, Rand Water — the continent’s largest bulk supplier that provides water to Gauteng’s cities — warned that taps may soon run dry if municipalities don’t act on its recommendations to fix leaks and conserve water.

Gauteng’s municipalities routinely draw more water than the amount allocated to them.