City of Johannesburg Municipal Services — Complete Guide
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (COJ) is South Africa's largest city by population and economy. It provides electricity, water and sanitation, refuse removal, and rates services to millions of residents. This guide explains how to access Joburg's e-services, pay your account, report faults, and access support if you cannot afford municipal services.
Key Joburg Contact Numbers
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Joburg Connect (all service faults) | 011 375 5555 |
| City Power faults (electricity) | 011 490 7484 |
| Johannesburg Water faults | 0860 562 874 |
| Pikitup (waste management) | 011 712 5200 |
| Account enquiries | joburg.org.za or 0860 JOBURG (0860 562 874) |
| Emergency (ambulance, fire) | 10177 (metro) or 112 (cellular) |
Electricity — City Power Johannesburg
City Power is the electricity provider for most of Johannesburg. Some areas (primarily townships and informal settlements) are supplied directly by Eskom. To check whether City Power or Eskom supplies your address, visit citypower.co.za.
- Report power outages on 011 490 7484 or via the City Power app.
- Apply for a new electricity connection at citypower.co.za or visit a City Power walk-in centre.
- Prepaid electricity vouchers can be purchased at any major retailer, ATM, or via banking apps.
- For billing disputes, visit a City Power customer service centre with your account number and ID.
- Load shedding schedules for Joburg are published on citypower.co.za and the EskomSePush app.
Water and Sanitation — Johannesburg Water
- Report water leaks, burst pipes, or sewage blockages on 0860 562 874 (24/7).
- Apply for a new water connection at the Johannesburg Water offices in Braamfontein.
- For account queries and meter readings, use the COJ e-services portal at joburg.org.za.
- Free basic water (6 kilolitres per month) is available to registered indigent households.
- Water restriction notices and schedules are published on joburg.org.za.
Rates and Taxes
Property owners pay municipal rates based on the assessed value of their property. Rates are billed monthly and appear on your combined municipal account together with electricity, water, and refuse removal.
To dispute your property valuation, submit an objection during the supplementary valuation roll period — the COJ publishes notices in local newspapers and on joburg.org.za.
- View and download your rates account at joburg.org.za (e-services portal).
- Pay rates via EFT (COJ bank details are on your account), at any bank, at Pick n Pay, or at a COJ cashier.
- Set up a debit order by visiting a COJ customer service centre.
- For indigent households, rates rebates may be available — register on the indigent register.
e-Services Portal and Online Account
- Register at joburg.org.za to view statements, submit meter readings, pay accounts, and log service requests.
- The COJ app (available on Android and iOS) allows you to log faults and track the status.
- Joburg Connect (011 375 5555) handles all service delivery complaints and fault logging.
- Walk-in customer service centres are located in Thusong centres and civic centres across Johannesburg.
Indigent Register — Free Basic Services
Registered indigent households in Johannesburg receive free basic services: 6 kWh electricity per day (approximately 180 kWh per month), 6 kilolitres of free water, and free refuse removal.
To register, visit your nearest COJ customer service centre with your ID, proof of residence, and proof of household income (or affidavit confirming no income). The household income must fall below the COJ's threshold (typically 2× the Old Age Pension amount per month).