‘n Reservoir in Johannesburg (Photo: joburg.org.za)
The DA welcomed the High Court ruling in which Johannesburg’s water tank contracts were declared invalid.
Amabhungane reported earlier that the contracts, amounting to around R263 million, were awarded in 2024 to two companies, Builtpro Construction and Nutinox, to supply a total of 70 tankers to the city over three years.
However, the court found in December 2025 that the tender process was irregular and that the contracts were not lawfully awarded. According to the DA, the ruling confirms his long-standing concerns about the handling of the tender.
“These contracts worth millions of rands were entered into despite clear procedural irregularities,” says Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the DA caucus leader in the Johannesburg metro.
“At a time when residents are suffering from continuous water interruptions, public money must be managed legitimately, transparently and in the best interest of Johannesburg’s residents,” says Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
Johannesburg Water has since appealed, which means that the contracts remain in force for the time being. The DA warns that communities are still dependent on a system that has already been labeled unlawful by the court.
“Earlier this month, nine people were arrested in the Eastern Cape for their (alleged) involvement in a water tank tender worth R75 million. This gives hope that action is indeed taken against crime during water crises,” says Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
Water is supplied to residents in Johannesburg. (Photo: Johannesburg Water/Twitter)
The DA has already requested the treasury, the department of cooperative government and traditional affairs and the auditor general to investigate the tender process.
Now the party is also approaching the Special Investigation Unit (SUE) to investigate possible violations of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Practices Act.
“Johannesburg’s residents deserve good government and accountability,” says Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“We will not allow a water crisis to be exploited through irregular contracts.”