SOUTH AFRICA Technology

Joburg Metro Launches AI-Powered Water Network Monitoring System

Joburg Water Monitoring

Johannesburg Water has activated its AI-based Smart Pipe network after a 24-month rollout across Soweto, Alexandra, and the inner city, promising to fundamentally transform how the utility manages its ageing infrastructure.

The system uses acoustic sensors installed at 18,000 nodes to detect anomalies indicative of pipe fractures, often providing 48-hour advance warning before a burst that previously required reactive repair.

Water and Sanitation MMC Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the initiative targets a reduction of non-revenue water — currently estimated at 46% — to below 25% within two years.

This article was reported by the AfriDevMonitor editorial team. Additional reporting contributed by our correspondents in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Cairo.